Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 12:35 pm• Jordi Tomasowa

Arsenal have given Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 8.4 million euros on the termination of his contract, it knows The Times. His transfer-free move to Barcelona was officially announced on Wednesday morning. Aubameyang’s departure saves Arsenal around €30 million, the salary he would receive in a year and a half.

Despite the fact that his transfer to Barcelona was only made official on Wednesday, Aubameyang already trained with the Catalans on Tuesday. Initially, a transfer to Barcelona seemed to stall, but because Arsenal were willing to dissolve his ongoing contract for a fee of 8.4 million euros, Aubameyang was still able to move to Catalonia. Aubameyang is signing a contract at the Camp Nou until mid-2025, with a surrender clause of 100 million euros. Both parties have an option in the summer of 2023 to get out of the ongoing contract.

Aubameyang was disciplined by Arteta at Arsenal on December 6, saw his captaincy stripped and has since been out of the squad. The attacker has been linked with several clubs in recent weeks. Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr were serious in the market and wanted to hire Aubameyang with an option to buy, but the 72-time international is determined to prove himself at the very highest level one more time. The Saudi Arabian proposals were therefore brushed aside. Newcastle United’s alleged interest also failed to convince Aubameyang.

On Tuesday, Aubameyang said goodbye to the gunners. “Arsenal fans, thank you for making London my home for me and my family over the past four years,” Aubameyang said on Instagram. We’ve been through highs and lows together and your support meant everything to me. The chance to win trophies and the honor of being the captain of this club is something I will keep in my heart forever. I’ve always been 100 percent focused and committed, which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts, but that’s football. I am sad that I have not had the opportunity to help my team-mates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club. I wish all my teammates and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!”