MADRID: Barcelona were reportedly getting closer to signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last night after Arsenal agreed to release their former captain on a free.

Aubameyang will join Barca under an original six -month deal, according to Spanish press reports and there is an option to extend him for another year.

The transfer does not need to be announced before the transfer door closes today as Aubameyang is reportedly already a free agent.

He had earlier surprised Barcelona by visiting the city, where his father owns a house and discussions took place about the player’s salary.

The club also failed to sell Ousmane Dembele, who can now leave the club on a free when his contract expires in the summer.

Although Dembele remained, a deal involving Aubameyang was made a few hours later when Arsenal reportedly agreed to release their former captain via a free transfer, allowing the club to be free of all his salary burden.

Meanwhile Aubameyang is believed to have agreed to reduce his salary received at Arsenal, starting at around 300,000 euros a week to confirm a move to Camp Nou.