Report: Barcelona nearing loan move for Arsenal outcast Aubameyang

Barcelona's attempts to sign Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on loan have advanced significantly in recent days, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

The primary issue reportedly remaining in negotiations is determining how much of Aubameyang's approximate £350,000 weekly salary each club will pay.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to approve a deal with no loan fee and no option or obligation to buy, but they want Barcelona to cover as much of Aubameyang's wage as possible.

If the two clubs reach a deal, the Gabonese marksman should move to Catalonia before the January transfer windows in England and Spain close Monday.

Aubameyang, 32, has been the subject of several disciplinary issues at Arsenal. The Gunners stripped him of the captaincy in December after he returned late from a club-sanctioned trip to France to visit his unwell mother. His last Arsenal appearance came on Dec. 6 when he was a late substitute in a 2-1 loss at Everton.

Arsenal won't necessarily seek a replacement for Aubameyang should he leave, Ornstein reports. Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak was spotted in London on Saturday, but there are apparently no developments in Arsenal's quest to sign their long-term target.

Juventus were reportedly interested in Aubameyang but would only pursue a move if Alvaro Morata - who is with the Italian side on loan from Atletico Madrid - departed the club.