Barcelona legend Xavi has urged his former club NOT to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal when the transfer window opens.
Xavi, who now manages Qatari club Al-Saad, thinks that the Gabonese striker, who had absolutely no problem adjusting to life in England after his time in Germany, would struggle in Spain.
“Mane and Aubemayang can kill you in open space,” Xavi said. But Barcelona need players who know how to move in small spaces.
“I am thinking about player who would adapt to Barcelona and it’s not easy to find one. Samuel Eto’o was perfect as is Luis Suarez right now.”
In addition to Barcelona, Napoli have Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on their transfer shortlist for this summer, expecting one of the two to leave Arsenal.
Both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang feature on the Napoli transfer shortlist this summer, according to Rai Sport reporter Ciro Venerable and Sportytrader for english speakers is offering great odds on a move happening.
Speaking to CalcioNapoli24, Venerable confirmed that Ciro Immobile is Napoli’s priority target. However, after that they’re looking at Lacazette and Aubameyang as alternatives. The journalist expects one of the two to leave this summer.
Lacazette and Aubameyang each started in both legs of the Europa League quarter-final against Napoli last year. Lacazette scored the goal that killed the tie at the San Paolo, and whilst Aubameyang didn’t score in that tie, they’ll know what he can do well enough.
The pair are both in uncertain positions right now at Arsenal. Aubameyang has a year left on his deal, and while the Gunners will surely want to extend it, they may not get that opportunity. If he won’t sign on, now is pretty much the last chance to cash in.
As for Lacazette, he still has two years left on his deal.
However, if Arsenal choose to hold onto Aubameyang until his contract expires, Lacazette’s sale could provide the funds to cover that loss.
That all requires Napoli to make a serious offer, however. If they’re not willing to pay a significant fee for the signing, there’s no point Arsenal selling. Considering the Serie A club spent over £100m in the last two windows net, they may struggle.