Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined FC Barcelona after being released from his contract with Arsenal, the Spanish giants confirmed on Wednesday.
Aubameyang, who earlier in January returned to the Gunners early from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to some concerns over “heart lesions”, has not played since December 6.
The 32-year-old was stripped of Arsenal’s captaincy for a disciplinary breach and had not featured in Mikel Arteta’s squad since.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed he had terminated his deal with Arsenal by mutual consent, and he has now signed for Barca.
Aubameyang has agreed a contract running until June 30, 2025 with an option to agree to cut ties earlier, on June 30, 2023.
Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and became an instant hit in the English Premier League (EPL).
He netted 54 top-flight goals across his first two and a half seasons at Emirates Stadium.
However, since signing a long-term contract ahead of the 2020/2021 campaign, Aubameyang’s form has dropped off significantly, and he only managed 14 goals in all competitions last term.
The deal runs until the end of the season with the option for a further year, with Aubameyang becoming the third signing of the January transfer window for Xavi’s side.
All three of those players have come from the Premier League.
FC Barcelona bought Ferran Torres from Manchester City, while Adama Traore — a graduate of La Masia — joined on loan from Wolves.
Barca are still struggling financially, as they attempt to bounce back from previous years of mismanagement.
Philippe Coutinho joined Aston Villa on loan this month, while Ousmane Dembele looked set to be moved on, only for no exit to be secured before the deadline.
Barca had been hoping to ship the France winger out, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reportedly agreeing terms with Dembele over the weekend, but no move materalised.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says the manner of his departure from Arsenal “hurts” as he moves to FC Barcelona.
The 32-year-old former Gunners captain was pictured training with his prospective new team-mates after arriving in Spain on Monday.
Confusion reigned, however, when no agreement was reached as deadline day passed but his release by Arsenal now makes him a free agent.
Prior to the completion of his move to the Camp Nou, Aubameyang took to social media on Tuesday night to post a farewell message to the club he has called home since 2018.
In a post on Instagram, Aubameyang wrote: “To the Arsenal fans, Thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years.
“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.
“Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart.
“I have always been 100 per cent focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts —- but that is football.
“I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my teammates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!”
He had been linked with a loan move this January, with FC Barcelona among a number of European clubs who showed an interest, as well as teams based in the Middle East.
Talks progressed with the LaLiga side on Monday and a deal, releasing him from his £250,000-a-week ($337,000) basic salary at the Emirates Stadium, was agreed upon.
It meant he could join the Catalan giants outside of the transfer window.
It is believed Arsenal held back on announcing Aubameyang’s departure, four years to the day since he signed from Borussia Dortmund, as a gesture of respect to FC Barcelona.
The Catalans’ president, Joan Laporta, had said on Tuesday the official unveiling may come later in the week.
However, pictures which appeared to show Aubameyang in the back of shot training at FC Barcelona subsequently emerged.
