BARCA UP AUBA ANTE

BARCELONA have stepped up their bid to sign PierreEmerick Aubameyang from Arsenal, by despatching a director to London for talks.

The Catalan giants are desperate for a new striker after Alvaro Morata, who is on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid, turned them down.

Gunners outcast Aubameyang (above) is, unsurprisingly, keen on a move to the Nou Camp – but, as yet, there is no agreement with Arsenal.

Barcelona want to sign the player on a six-month loan with an option for a permanent deal in the summer.

But the two sides are at odds on their valuations, with Arsenal rating Aubameyang at around £41.5million – and Barcelona at just £30m.

Barca are trying to sell Ousmane Dembele before the window closes to balance the budget for a new striker purchase, with Chelsea among the possible destinations.