manager Xavi has failed to rule out the possibility of signing a new striker amid speculation is on the verge of returning to the Premier League.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
submitted their opening offer of £15million plus Marcos Alonso for the former captain on Friday and are hoping to make a breakthrough next week with Barcelona holding out for a fee closer to £30m.
The Blues are unwilling to meet Barcelona’s valuation of a player they signed for free just six months ago after his Arsenal contract was terminated following a falling out with his former manager Mikel Arteta.
Aubameyang was a substitute as Barcelona opened their La Liga campaign with a 0-0 draw against Raya Vallecano last weekend and is likely to be named among the replacements again for tomorrow’s game against Real Sociedad.
Xavi insists he is unsure whether the Gabon international, along with Juventus target Memphis Depay, will remain with his club and revealed Barcelona’s current priority is to ensure the registration of Jules Kounde who has been left in limbo following his arrival from Sevilla.
He said: ‘There is a market that ends on August 31 and we will see what will happen. Neither Aubameyang nor Memphis have left and tomorrow we will be able to use them.
‘Auba could be important against Real Sociedad, but we will see the circumstances. If there is an offer for any of them, we’ll see how the squad turns out to be. Now the priority is to register Kounde.
‘Kounde is training really well. He’s great with the ball. I think we signed a very good player. Now we need to sell some players to register him.’
Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United this summer, may have to get used to a new position, according to his manager.
He said: ‘Frenkie de Jong is a spectacular player, with a lot of leadership. I see him more as an interior, but he can also adapt to playing as a pivot. As a full-back? I don’t see him there.’
, .
, and .
