Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the names on Barcelona's shortlist for a new striker according to sporting director Eric Abidal.
The La Liga side had been linked with a move for the Arsenal captain throughout January but a transfer never materialised.
Abdial admitted in an interview with Spanish outlet SPORT per MirrorOnline that the Gabon international was looked at last month.
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"I know him [Aubameyang]. He has a profile that has depth. He is important, and in his team he is decisive," the Frenchman said.
"It is logical that in summer a 'nine' will come. It is a necessity. We know that Suarez will come back strong, but you have to bring a top player in the summer."
Former Barca defender Abidal went on to reveal the shortlist reveals names such as Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud and Napoli attacker Fernando Llorente.
"There is a list with players like [Olivier] Giroud, [Fernando] Llorente or Aubameyang, but for one thing or another we decided not to sign [someone in January]."
Aubameyang is into the last 18 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and Mikel Arteta is desperate for him to stay.
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Despite all the links throughout Janauary, Quique Setien's side opted to not sign a striker despite Luis Suarez's injury.
The Uruguayan international is set for numerous months on the sideline following an injury to his knee.
Antoine Griezmann is being used up front but it's a position the 'Blaugrana' are looking to strengthen.
Youngster Ansu Fati chipped in with two goals in last weekend's 2-1 victory over Levante.
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Setien praised the 17-year-old and said he's looking forward to unlocking his potential.
"I think that Ansu is a boy that is emerging, that we all know that has great potential," head coach Setien told a news conference per Goal.
"You have to understand that you have to give him peace of mind and confidence to exploit what he has inside.
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"Apart from the two goals, what I give credit is the work he has done in defence. He has worked hard. He has given us solutions."
Meanwhile, trouble could be brewing off the pitch in Spain after Abidal's comments concerning Ernesto Valverde's sacking as Barcelona boss last month.
This led to club captain Lionel Messi taking to Instagram to hit out at Abidal stating 'we should give names' of those being accused.
Abidal had said on Tuesday: "Many players were not satisfied or weren't working hard and there was also an internal communication issue.
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"The coach and dressing room relationship has always been good, but there are things that I can smell as a former player.
"I told the club what I thought and they had to make a decision."
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Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Transfer, Football, Barcelona, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
