Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal has dropped a big hint over the club’s interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he outlined their desire to land a striker in the summer window.
As revealed by Goal, Barca were keen on a loan move for the Arsenal star although were under no illusions that the London side would entertain any such offer.
The likes of Lautaro Martinez and, prior to his move to Dortmund, Haaland were on the Barca wish list although they decided against bringing in any new faces in the January window.
Aubameyang’s deal expires in 2021 and Barcelona may well attempt to capitalise on the situation with a renewed effort to land Aubameyang.
And Abidal has now confirmed the club’s aim to bring in a striker, with the Liga champions needing a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez, who is currently sidelined for a lengthy spell after undergoing a surgery.
Abidal told Sport: “There is a list with players like [Olivier] Giroud, [Fernando] Llorente or Aubameyang, but for one thing or another we decided not to sign [anyone]. We believe it is the best for the club.
“I know him (Aubameyang). I do not have much to do [with him] beyond sports. 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.
“It is logical that in summer a ‘9’ 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.
“We do not know if he 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.”
Abidal also discussed Barca’s form of late, with the Spanish giants having been beaten in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final by Atletico Madrid before a further defeat, to Valencia, would follow in new manager Quique Setien’s third game in charge.
