Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Emerges As Barcelona Target Following Sergio Aguero's Retirement

Barcelona are considering signing Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a replacement for recently retired Sergio Aguero, according to reports.

Aguero, 33, called time on his playing career at an emotional news conference on Wednesday due to a heart condition.

His retirement leaves Barcelona with limited options up front and head coach Xavi is said to be keen to sign another striker in January.

Aguero announced his retirement on Wednesday due to a heart condition (Image credit: PA)

According to The Independent, Barcelona are considering a move for Aubameyang, whose future at the Emirates is now in doubt after he was stripped of the club captaincy on Tuesday.

Aubameyang, 32, reportedly failed to arrive back on time from a trip abroad last week to visit his mother.

While Barcelona are interested in signing Aubameyang, the Gabon international is said to be unwilling to take a pay cut to facilitate a move to the cash-strapped Catalan club.

Due to their current financial limitations, Barcelona may instead seek a swap deal with Arsenal which could involve Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Aubameyang has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy (Image credit: PA)

Another option for Barcelona is Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.

The 34-year-old scored 17 goals in all competitions for United last season but has found first-team opportunities harder to come by following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may allow his players to have a say in who replaces Aubameyang as captain at the Emirates.

Alexandre Lacazette is expected to skipper the side against West Ham in the Premier League on Wednesday night, according to the London Evening Standard, but Arteta is yet to name a permanent captain.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is another option for Barcelona (Image credit: PA)

When asked if he would allow his players to vote on who they would prefer, Arteta said: “There are so many different ways to do it.

“Sometimes the manager can decide the captain, or can decide the second or third captain, and the group has to defend who is going to represent them in that dressing room.

“They are good [ways] and they can all work if you have the right people.

“I have seen and have participated in both of them, and at the end what is important is not the journey or the destination.

“The important thing is the company, that’s the most important thing.”

Topics: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sergio Aguero, Arsenal, Barcelona, Transfers, Football, Premier League, La Liga

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan