Barcelona confirm they want Aubameyang in summer transfer as Abidal labels Arsenal star ‘important and decisive’ player

ARSENAL are bracing themselves for a transfer battle after Barcelona confirmed their interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Luis Suarez has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign through injury with the La Liga giants failing to prise the prolific Gabon international striker away from the Gunners last month as a replacement.

Now the star, who turns 31 in the summer, will be targeted again according to Barca’s sporting director Eric Abidal.

Speaking to Sport, the Nou Camp chief said: “It is logical that in summer a ‘9’ will come. It is a necessity.

“We know that [Luis] Suarez will come back strong, but you have to bring a top player in the summer.

“We do not know if it will be young or experienced.

“We only look at the talent and adaptation they may have.

“We must think that some top players have come and have not adapted well.”

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And when quizzed directly on the Arsenal hitman, he said: “I know him (Aubameyang).

“He has a profile that has depth. He is important, and in his team he is decisive.

“It is good to bring this profile of player who can be in the market and can help you. We’ll see what will happen.”

Aubameyang maintains he is happy at The Emirates but talks over a contract extension have stalled.

And it seems Barca hope the lure of Champions League football, something Arsenal look extremely unlikely to be able to offer, will help them in your pursuit.