Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of a possible summer move for the striker.
The 30-year-old has been Arsenal's standout player this season with 20 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions, including a joint division-high 17 in the Premier League.
However, Aubameyang's contract is due to expire at the end of next season and there has so far been no breakthrough in negotiations over an extension.
The Gunners have been forced to sell players for cut-price fees or let them leave on a free transfer due to expiring contracts on a number of occasions in recent years and are reluctant to lose their captain in a similar fashion next summer.
Arsenal remain keen to tie Aubameyang down to a new deal, but The Express reports that their financial ability to do so could be affected by their early exit from the Europa League.
The North London outfit posted losses of £27.1m for the 2018-19 campaign and are continuing to feel the monetary effect of their absence of the Champions League, which looks set to extend for another year given their European defeat and current Premier League position.
The report goes on to say that Barcelona are considering a summer swoop should Arsenal be forced to cash in on Aubameyang, with the Spanish champions in the market for another striker.
However, they could face competition from Inter Milan, who are understood to have earmarked the Gabon international as a possible replacement for Barcelona and Real Madrid target Lautaro Martinez.
Both clubs are hopeful of luring Aubameyang away from the Emirates Stadium with the promise of Champions League football next season, with Arsenal currently sitting eight points off fourth place and four behind fifth.
Barney Corkhill
