Arsenal can't have too many issues with their response to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 's exclusion from the first team, but the player himself may now find himself looking for a permanent exit.
The Gunners have won their last three games without the Gabonese striker, who was stripped of the captaincy following a disciplinary breach earlier this month, scoring nine times in the process.
"What I expect from any person in this football club, that is representing this badge, is passion and that he gives absolutely 100%, that he puts the club in front of any personal interests and is able to do anything to fulfil the badge we have on the chest," manager Mikel Arteta said upon continuing to sideline the striker.
With Gabriel Martinelli thriving in Aubameyang's absence, Arteta may be ready to let the former captain leave, with Barcelona a potential destination. However, there may still be a stumbling block to overcome.
Should Arsenal let Aubameyang leave in January? Have your say in the comments section
Barcelona are in the market for a new striker following the retirement of Sergio Aguero just months after his arrival from Manchester City.
Aguero hung up his boots on the recommendation of medical staff, following the discovery of a heart issue.
Barcelona handed a first start to 22-year-old striker Ferran Jutgla in their last league game, with the youngster finding the net in a win over Elche, but Xavi is likely to want reinforcements in the new year.
The issue over Aubameyang, however, may concern the player's wage demands.
He is on a reported £350,000 a week at Arsenal, having agreed a new deal with the club in 2020, and a permanent switch could require the buying club to deliver a significant wage package on top of a transfer fee.
And The Mail reports that even a loan deal for the remainder of the season could prove problematic, thanks to the Arsenal forward's wages.
Barcelona's financial issues over the last year or so have been well-documented, forcing the club to part ways with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann over the summer, and the situation continues to hang over potential new business.
Whether Arsenal keep Aubameyang or let him leave, the 32-year-old will be unavailable at the start of the year as he travels to the Africa Cup of Nations with Gabon.
Patrice Neveu's team have been drawn against Thomas Partey's Ghana in the group stage, as well as Morocco and Comoros, and any player reaching the knockout stages of the tournament is expected to be unavailable until late January or early February.
With Barcelona's top-four hopes hanging in the balance going into the new year, they may instead opt for someone who is available to slot straight in.
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been linked with a move to Camp Nou as he enters the last six months of his contract in England, while Manchester City's Ferran Torres - who is expected to return from injury in January - also in Barca's sights.
