PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has left Arsenal on a free transfer and is set to be unveiled as a Barcelona player imminently.
But it is not guaranteed that he will be able to play a part in his new club's Europa League campaign.
Under Uefa rules, Barca can only register three of their four January signings to participate in the competition.
The Gunners only brought in one player on deadline day – American defender Auston Trusty.
Trusty will be loaned back to MLS side Colorado Rapids, who share the same owner as the Gunners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
And we've got the latest on Alexandre Lacazette's future, with former side Lyon eyeing the striker.
Keep up to date with all the latest Arsenal transfer news here at SunSport
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- Tristan Barclay
Gunned down
Look away Arsenal fans – these quotes don't make for nice reading if you're feeling bitter about one January target…
Dusan Vlahovic claims it was ‘easy’ to snub Arsenal for the more ‘glorious’ Juventus.
The Serbian striker was one of the Gunners' top targets this month, as a replacement for the exiled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 22-year-old star was set to be offered a huge salary and add-on incentives to seal a move to Mikel Arteta’s side.
But he rejected a switch to North London to join the Italian giants in a £62million move.
At his unveiling on Tuesday, Vlahovic said: “I am emotional and proud to have signed for Juventus. I am ready to give my all for this glorious club to reach its objectives.
“There were many rumours about foreign clubs, but the choice was easy because the club and I have a similar DNA.
“Fight and suffer when needed. I think it’s part of my mentality as well, so the choice was not difficult. I fit in here.”
- Tristan Barclay
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has used just a simple love heart emoji to say goodbye to Arsenal.
The Gunners officially confirmed the star has left the club by mutual consent on Monday.
The striker has agreed with Arsenal to have his contract ripped up after four years with the Gunners.
He was spotted training with Barcelona yesterday as the ex-Dortmund ace prepares to join the LaLiga giants on a free transfer.
And despite Aubameyang's four-year spell in North London, the club issued only a snappy 150-word statement to announce his departure.
Part of that statement read: "We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club."
The Gunners did post a thank you video to Aubameyang on their social media channels which the forward reposted, with no added comment, to his Instagram story.
He has now responded to it on Twitter aswell, and used only a love heart emoji with no words.
While not yet official, Aubameyang is expected to be announced as a Barcelona player after being seen in training with the Catalan club.
The 33-year-old forward leaves after making 162 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 92 goals, and helping the club win the FA Cup in 2020.
Aubameyang spent two-and-a-half years as captain, but was stripped of the role in December after arriving back in the UK late from a trip overseas.
That was seemingly the final straw for boss Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard freezing Aubameyang out of his squad ever since.
An Arsenal exit was rumoured throughout the January window, and after surprising the Gunners by jetting into Barcelona by himself on deadline day, Aubameyang finally got his wish to leave the club.
An initial loan deal was mooted, but in the end the club agreed to cancel his contract entirely in order to avoid paying his mammoth £350,000-a-week wages.
- Sandra Brobbey
Slim pickings
Arsenal now have the Premier League’s smallest squad with just 20 players ahead of their derby clash with Tottenham.
SunSport's Martin Lipton reports the departure of 16 players in January is thought to have shaved an estimated £32million off the club’s annual wage bill.
Salary costs for the Gunners are now thought to be below £90m.
- Sandra Brobbey
Don't go for Dembele
Kevin Campbell reckons Arsenal may have 'dodged a bullet' by not signing Ousmane Dembele.
The LaLiga forward had been linked with a possible Emirates move, according to reports.
The Barcelona contract for the winger, who has struggled with injuries, is set to expire in the summer.
It is thought the Nou Camp giants were eager to sell the player they signed for £87million from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
Campbell told Football Insider: "Arsenal dodged a bullet there. I don’t think they need Dembele.
"On his day he can be devastating but his injury record is worrying. I have watched him a lot in Spain and while he is a brilliant player, he can be just as frustrating."
- Sandra Brobbey
Ferdinand's farewell
Rio Ferdinand has wished Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang good luck as Arsenal's former striker embarks on a new career at Barcelona.
The former Gunners skipper is thought to have fallen out of favour with boss Mikel Arteta over disciplinary issues which led to him being stripped of the captain's armband.
Barcelona are reportedly set to unveil the striker as one of their newest signings this week.
But Arsenal's decision to allow the player to leave has been questioned by some of its fans.
On his FIVE YouTube Channel, Ferdinand, 43 said: "I wish him good luck, because I think for both parties Aubameyang needed to leave. For his sake, for his footballing sake, but also for Arsenal’s sake.
"I think Xavi is looking at (Aubameyang) like someone who has something to prove, wants to play football, has experience and maybe can fit the style that he wants to play. That remains to be seen."
- Sandra Brobbey
Campbell's fears
Kevin Campbell reckons questions need to be asked in regard to the 'gaping holes' in the Arsenal squad for the rest of this season.
The club were unable to bring in a new striker and a central midfielder despite reported for targets who were rumoured to include Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic.
When asked for his views on Arsenal's January transfer efforts, Campbell told Football Insider: "Questions need to be asked of Edu, 100 per cent.
"Arsenal had holes before all of the players left and went out on loan. Now there is gaping holes. Those holes needed filling."
The Highbury icon added: "To not fill any (means) Edu has left himself wide open to criticism. It is part and parcel of the course.
"To not get in a striker or a centre-midfielder people are going to ask questions and rightly so. The fans are disappointed because we look short in those two positions now."
- Sandra Brobbey
Gunner go for Luiz?
Arsenal have been tipped to reconsider a swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Gunners were thought to be among several clubs keen on a potential January transfer move for the Brazil international.
It is claimed Steven Gerrard's side rejected three bids for the player who has 18 months left on his current contract.
Mikel Arteta is rumoured to be an admirer of Luiz, 23, after working with the midfielder at Manchester City.
And former Villa striker Kevin Phillips reckons the Emirates boss could be open to a summer swoop for the player.
Phillips told Football Insider: "He probably suits the style of play at Arsenal. Arteta likes them to play out of the back and Luiz likes to get on the ball.
"I think it is something they may reassess in the summer if the player wants to leave but right now, it’s a non-starter for me. I cannot see him leaving."
- Sandra Brobbey
Auba's exit
Arsenal have officially confirmed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure stating the player has left by mutual consent.
The 32-year-old striker was pictured training with his new team-mates at Barcelona earlier today.
In a statement shared via its official Twitter account, Arsenal wrote: "We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club."
On Tuesday Barca president Joan Laporta said he hoped the club would be able to unveil Aubameyang as their newest signing this week.
Laporta told reporters: "We will present Adama Traore tomorrow and, if everything continues well, we will also present Aubameyang."
- Sandra Brobbey
Taking the Mik
Simon Jordan slapped down suggestions that Mikel Arteta is putting his pride before the needs of Arsenal.
The football pundit got into a heated debate with one Gunners fan on talkSPORT.
The supporter accused the Emirates boss of letting his pride cloud his judgement of players and refusing to give those doing well on loan a chance.
But Jordan was having none of it.
The talkSPORT pundit said: "It doesn’t make any sense. Sometimes, these guys can’t do wrong for doing right in the eyes of certain people.
"I don’t think it’s great but where do you expect Arsenal to be? You spent £130million in the summer transfer window and outspent most people."
- Sandra Brobbey
Hellbent on Wilshere
Darren Bent says he intends to have a chat with Jack Wilshere about the possibility of signing for Arsenal.
Bent told talkSPORT: "I don’t understand why they can’t do some kind of deal – pay-as-you-play or short-term until the end of the season.
"I honestly don’t get it – I’m gonna grill him when I see him.
“He understands the club, he loves the club, he’s training there every single day, he looks fit.
“That would’ve been perfect, just get more bodies in there."
- Sandra Brobbey
Auba exit gamble
Arsenal hero Alan Smith reckons Mikel Arteta has taken a 'gamble' in allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave the club.
The former Gunners frontman has been pictured training with his new team-mates at Barcelona having sealed a transferto the Nou Camp.
Aubameyang, 32, who was initially thought to be moving on loan, made a permanent switch to the LaLiga side on Monday.
Former Gunners frontman Smith, 59, told Sky Sports: "It is a gamble. Every time the team cannot score a goal, that will be thrown in his face and I am sure he is fully aware of that and prepared for it.
"But he may just have the freedom now to try one or two things like playing Gabriel Martinelli down the middle at times.
"I thought Arteta might try and get Aubameyang back on side given the vast outlay Arsenal had made on him. But only the manager and the player would know what the chances of that actually were."
- Sandra Brobbey
Lyon's Laca chase
Lyon have reportedly made Alexandre Lacazette their number one target in the summer transfer window.
French sports outlet L'Equipe claims the Ligue One side hope to lure the striker back to France with his current Gunners deal due to expire in June.
Arsenal are currently a little light on the striker front following Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang's departure for Barcelona.
The club, who are currently sixth in the Prem, netted two goals in five games across all competitions in January.
- Sandra Brobbey
Go for Flo
Arsenal are rumoured to be eyeing a free transfer move for Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch.
Reports in Germany claim the Gunners and their Prem rivals Newcastle are keen on the Bundesliga ace who will become a free agent in the summer.
And German sports magazine Kicker claims Lazio, Napoli and Roma are also monitoring the 26-year-old's situation.
It is reported the Austria midfielder, who has 26 international caps, is currently able to sign a pre-contractual agreement with any interested clubs.
- Sandra Brobbey
Juve move was easy
Dusan Vlahovic claims rejecting a potential Arsenal move for Juventus was an 'easy' choice.
The Serbia forward, 22, had been heavily linked with the Gunners but decided to leave Fiorentina for Juve in a £58million deal.
The Serie A star, who netted 20 goals for his old side last season, moved to Turin on a four-year contract this month.
At his official unveiling as a Juve player, Vlahovic said: "I am ready to give my all for this glorious club to reach its objectives.
"There were many rumours about foreign clubs, but the choice was easy because the club and I have a similar DNA."
- Sandra Brobbey
Petit's Aubameyang dig
Emmanuel Petit reckons Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's motivation dipped at Arsenal after he sealed his final deal with the club.
The ex-Gunner brought the curtain down on his five-year stint at the Emirates after sealing a free transfer to Barcelona on Monday.
The Gabon striker had not played for Mikel Arteta's side since being stripped of the captain's armband in December due to disciplinary issues.
Before then the former Dortmund star netted 92 goals in 163 games in an Arsenal shirt.
Highbury hero Petit told Gambling.com: "Aubameyang needs to understand that you have to show a high level week-after-week and the fact he signed a new contract for big, big money may not be related to his current issue, but I will say the coincidence is huge.
"Straight after he signed that contact, he wasn’t the same player anymore.
"It wouldn’t have mattered if his future was with Arsenal or somewhere else, he needs to understand he has to go back to the player he was, with the same motivation and mentality that he had."
- Jake Lambourne
Deal or no deal?
Arsenal are set to hand Mikel Arteta and star man Bukayo Saka new contracts this summer, according to reports.
The Gunners are planning for the future, and that includes tying their young manager and players down to long-term deals.
And according to Football.London, boss Arteta will be offered a new deal with his current contract expiring in 2023.
The Spaniard won an FA Cup in his first season in charge, and after a spending frenzy last summer on young talent, Arsenal find themselves back in top four contention.
The Gunners are invested in Arteta's project.
- Jake Lambourne
Straight into training
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been spotted training with Barcelona before his transfer move has even been officially confirmed.
Arsenal terminated his contract yesterday to allow their axed skipper to join the LaLiga giants on a permanent basis for FREE.
The Gabon forward, 32, 'surprised' the Gunners by flying to the Catalan capital on Monday morning to force through a move – exactly four years after moving to England.
His arrival is due to be officially announced later today after the star agreed personal terms.
However, Spanish journalist Toni Juanmartí has revealed on Twitter that Aubameyang has already had the opportunity to impress his new teammates out on the grass.
He shared an image from Barcelona’s training session earlier, and the ex-Borussia Dortmund man could clearly be seen in the background.
- Jake Lambourne
Work of Art
Arsenal missed out on January transfer target Arthur because they insisted on a short-term deal, reports claim.
The Juventus midfielder was linked with a move to north London for most of the transfer window.
Tuttosport in Italy claim that the Gunners only wanted to take the 25-year-old on loan until the end of the season.
And the report adds that Arthur was looking for guaranteed first-time football if he was to leave Juventus.
Arthur was valued around the £60million mark when he moved from Barcelona to Juve 18 months ago in a deal that involved an exchange for Miralem Pjanic.
But the Brazil international has made just nine Serie A appearances this term with boss Max Allegri willing to allow him to depart.
- Jake Lambourne
Vla va voom
Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic has revealed why he rejected a move to the Emirates to join Juventus from Fiorentina.
The Serbian striker said: "There were lot of rumours about clubs from abroad… but it was an easy choice for me [to sign for Juventus].
"This club has winning mentality, like me.
“I’m extremely happy – I’m joining a glorious club and this is what I wanted. I can’t wait."
- Jake Lambourne
Taking the Mik
Fuming Arsenal fans have taken to social media to vent after seeing their side fail to sign a single player in January.
The Gunners are in with a shot of securing a top four position that would see them return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Boss Mikel Arteta was keen to recruit some fresh talent that could help his current crop.
But instead, Arsenal opted to trim their squad – letting a number of players go while not recruiting anyone.
Arsenal Twitter has been awash with memes and comments when it's come to the club's transfer business.
One fan posted a picture of a lone Gunnersaurus stood in the centre circle, captioning it: "Last man standing."
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Ous-ted from Barcelona
Barcelona are considering terminating Ousmane Dembele's contract after they failed to offload him in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman was offered to a host of clubs around Europe including Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, but Dembele rejected the Premier League trio.
It also looked at one stage as though PSG were closing in on his signature on deadline day.
But that move was scuppered by Financial Fair Play regulations as the Catalan giants wound up with him still on their books.
And now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are thinking about trying to get him off their books immediately by ripping up his existing deal.
A meeting will take place on Tuesday between Barca chiefs as they discuss what to do with Dembele's £210,000 a week salary.
And it is thought some within the discussion will call for his contract to be terminated.
- Jake Lambourne
Barc in action
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to make his Barcelona debut against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
The striker's move to the Catalan giants has been agreed and signed, with confirmation imminent.
Aubameyang, 32, has not been in club action since Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Everton on December 6.
After featuring in a 1-1 friendly draw with Mauritania, he then missed Gabon's Africa Cup of Nations campaign following a positive Covid test.
The former Gunners skipper will hope to quickly shake off any rust against Diego Simeone's reigning champions on Sunday.
- Jake Lambourne
Ramsey doubt for Old Firm
Aaron Ramsey concedes he is unlikely to be fit to make his Rangers debut in tomorrow's Old Firm derby.
The Welshman, 31, sealed a shock loan move to the Scottish champions from Juventus on deadline day after rejecting a number of Premier League clubs.
But the ex-Arsenal midfielder admits the Parkhead clash with Glasgow rivals Celtic will probably come too soon for him.
Ramsey said: "I’m probably going to be a little bit short for the Old Firm game but hopefully I can get myself ready this week and look forward to getting ready for the weekend, really.
"I’ve had these conversations with the manager and the staff and hopefully we can get a plan in place to get going and back up to match fitness as soon as possible."
- Jake Lambourne
Free for all
The closing of the January transfer window means there are now several high-profile players without a club.
Among those are some old Premier League stars, familiar faces, and wasted talents.
Here we have a look at the best XI that can be made from players who are currently without a professional contract.
One of the biggest names currently unattached is former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.
Another former Premier League star keen for a new suitor is ex-Arsenal and England international Jack Wilshere.
Speaking of the North London outfit, former club captain Laurent Koscielny is also without a club.
Here SunSport takes a look at the best current free XI.
- Jake Lambourne
High praise for Auston
American defender Auston Trusty has been praised by Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager Padraig Smith after his move to Arsenal was confirmed.
He said: "Auston is coming off an exceptional season in 2021 in which he played a vital role in helping us finish atop the Western Conference for the first time in our history.
"We remain committed to bringing through the top young players from Colorado and across the United States and to providing them with a platform to flourish, achieve success in MLS and earn the chance to make a move to Europe.
"Auston’s outstanding performances caught the eye of several European clubs over the past 12 months and we are privileged to be part of an organisation with the reach and scale of KSE that allows us to help a player of Auston’s potential further his development and career aspirations in Europe."
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