Arsenal transfer deadline day LIVE: Aubameyang medical booked in and Umtiti move collapses

In a significant turn of events it looks as though Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be heading to Barcelona after all!

The Arsenal star is reportedly booked in for a medical tonight at Barcelona, and club president Joan Laporta has now said: "It seems that we will pull it off [Aubameyang deal]."

That may suggest that Ousmane Dembele may also be on his way out, but there is still no official conformation about any outgoings at Barcelona.

There are just under four hours to go until the transfer deadline. The Spanish window also shuts at 11pm (UK).

Aubameyang now booked in for a medical ahead of signing for Barcelona tonight, as per @victor_nahe. https://t.co/mIyxM3M4GE

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 31, 2022

Arsenal have confirmed that another youngster has headed out on loan, as Tim Akinola has joined Dundee United.

The 20-year-old will be heading out on loan for the first time, after being a regular starter in Arsenal's under-23 side over the last two seasons.

The midfielder arrived from Huddersfield Town in 2020, and will be immediately available for Tuesday's Dundee derby.

Welcome to Dundee United, Tim Akinola #UnitedTogether

— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) January 31, 2022

Rotherham United have confirmed that they have signed young Arsenal wing-back Jordi Osei-Tutu on loan until the end of the season.

The Millers are currently top of League One and are targeting an immediate return to the Championship after they were relegated last season.

Osei-Tutu has been at Arsenal since he was 16, but the wing-back is yet to get a look in at the Gunners, and he was already out on loan at Nottingham Forest this season.

However, after just four league appearances, his loan was terminated and he is now set to be given an opportunity with the League One leaders.

| Welcome to the club,

The wing back joins the Millers on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign from Arsenal, subject to Premier League, EFL and FA ratification.#rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProudhttps://t.co/BTWazmxTSM pic.twitter.com/M12x4w1i8B

— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) January 31, 2022

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move to Barcelona has been made doubtful due to salary complications, but club president Joan Laporta has said that he has 'hope' that an agreement can be reached.

Aubameyang arrived in Barcelona despite no official deal in place, with the striker desperate to secure a move following his Arsenal exodus.

Arsenal were said to be 'surprised' that the Gabon international had jetted off despite no formal agreement, but Laporta has said that he'd “Like to incorporate Aubameyang".

Barcelona president Joan Laporta to MD: “We would like to incorporate Aubameyang. It's very complicated but there is hope”, he said. #FCB pic.twitter.com/BC7h9XVjTE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022

Ousmane Dembele will stay at Barcelona for the rest of the season, despite interest from the Premier League, Mirror Football understands.

Reports had suggested Chelsea had arranged for the winger to have a medical ahead of a last-ditch move to Stamford Bridge.

That move could have opened the door for Barca to complete a loan move for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

But with Dembele set to stay until the end of the season - when his contract expires - it seems Aubameyang will be going nowhere.

Mikel Arteta still wants to sign a striker before the 11pm deadline, but they are running out of options as time runs out.

Arsenal wanted Dusan Vlahovic but the Serbian chose Juventus instead, and Alexander Isak looks set to stay at Real Sociedad until the end of the season.

However, according to CBS Sports, Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Mehdi Taremi on loan as Arteta looks to upgrade his attacking options.

The Porto star has impressed since arriving at the club in 2020, but with Luis Diaz moving to Liverpool, the Portuguese side may now be more relcutant to let Taremi go.

Arsenal forward Amani Richards is set to join Leicester on a permanent deal, as yet another player looks set to depart the Emirates Stadium this month.

The 17-year-old only arrived at Arsenal in March 2021 as he joined from Chelsea, and has been involved for the under-18s this season.

Richards has made eight appearances, but has so far failed to register a goal or an assist, but a permanent transfer to Leicester is now close.

Excl: Arsenal forward Amani Richards is set to join Leicester on a permanent dealhttps://t.co/lTNoGHk8ch

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 31, 2022

The latest news may be situated around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's potential loan move to Barcelona, but it isn't the first deal between the two sides to collapse.

Arsenal reportedly had a deal lined up to bring Samuel Umtiti to the Emirates earlier this month, but an injury sustained by the defender ended discussions.

Umtiti suffered a fractured toe in mid-January, and according to Mundo Deportivo, Umtiti joining Arsenal would have allowed Aubameyang to head the other way.

Earlier this month, Umtiti agreed to extend his Barcelona contract until 2026.

In light of his journey to Spain, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez sent the club a warning about signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It was reported that both Juventus and Barcelona were interested in signing Aubameyang on loan before the deadline, and the striker jetted off to Spain despite the fact that a deal had not been reached with Arsenal.

It not looks as though a move has fallen through due to salary concerns, but Xavi had previously sent a warning to the club against signing the striker as he believed it would be a bad fit.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Following on from earlier news that suggested that Arsenal have no intention of letting Eddie Nketiah leave the club this January, the striker has been pictured in training with the Gunners today.

It seems as though Mikel Arteta will have to stick with his current squad as they have been dealt blow after blow in their pursuit for new talent during the January transfer window.

Nketiah will be out of contract at Arsenal in the summer, meaning that he will be free to leave at the end of the season unless a new deal is signed.

Morning sessionEvening session

The hard work continues pic.twitter.com/S2iLmMnXig

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2022

Although most of the attention has been situated around the potential departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, there has also been speculation about the future of Nicolas Pepe.

It was rumoured that Arsenal's club-record signing could be loaned out as his £72million move from Lille in 2019 has been rather underwhelming, but the Gunners seem happy to have him back in training.

Therefore it looks as though the Ivorian will remain at the Emirates this season, and Pepe wil be targeting one final shot at redemption, unless there is a late turn of events.

Well played with #TeamCotedIvoire

Good to have you back with us, Nico pic.twitter.com/pCM8TYLzte

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2022

It's looking less likely by the second that Arsenal will secure any transfers on Deadline Day, as they continue to pursue a midfielder and a centre-forward.

In a window that's been filled with disappointment and near misses for the Gunners, they have also conceded that a move for Douglas Luiz will not be possible either, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Luiz was subject to heavy interest from Arsenal, and an unnamed Premier League side submitted a £30million bid for the Brazilian, but it looks as though he will stay at Villa Park and work under Steven Gerrard until the end of the season.

Despite the sale of Dele Alli to Everton on a permanent deal [again, done and here-we-go with medical today ] Tottenham are NOT going to bid for Douglas Luiz. Arsenal no longer in the race. #THFC

Douglas Luiz will stay at Aston Villa.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022

Talks between Arsenal and Barcelona over a loan move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have broken down due to salary issues, and now the player will return to London.

That's according to The Athletic, who report that unless Barcelona find major money then Aubameyang will not be playing football at the Nou Camp this season.

In what was a 'surprise' to Arsenal to learn that Aubameyang had travelled to the Spanish city, it's now being played off as a family holiday for the Gabonese star.

It looks as though Aubameyang will see the season out at Arsenal after all.

EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona / Arsenal talks for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang loan have broken down over salary. 32yo returning to London from what’s said to have been a family trip to Spanish city. Unless #FCBarcelona find major money it’s off @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/eRNFZ74LsC

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2022

Arsenal are still yet to make a signing during the January transfer window, but there have been a flurry of outgoings.

With Aubameyang doing his best to force a move away from Arsenal, he has been followed out the door by another striker, as teenager Nikolaj Moller has been shipped out on loan to FC Den Bosch.

It's his second loan move of the season as the 19-year-old spent the first part of the campaign at FC Viktoria Koln in Germany’s 3.Liga, scoring three goals in 13 games.

FC Den Bosch heeft zich per direct versterkt met Nikolaj Möller. De 19-jarige spits wordt voor de rest van het seizoen gehuurd van Arsenal.

Välkommen, Nikolaj!#HeyaDenBosch #metheelmijnhart

— FC Den Bosch (@mijnfcdenbosch) January 31, 2022

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has arrived in Barcelona to the 'surprise' of Arsenal, and is set for a medical at Barcelona at 4:00 p.m., according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

A deal is yet to be agreed between the two sides and the potential stay of Ousmane Dembele has slightly complicated things.

It's clear that Aubameyang is desperate to get out, and Barcelona are reportedly keen on getting a medical done to ensure that they can register the player on time should they come to an agreement with Arsenal.

Understand Ousmane Dembélé has no interest in joining Arsenal on #DeadlineDay as part of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. #AFC

Barça will try to find a solution to sign Aubameyang while he’s in the city - huge salary reduction needed to complete this move.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022

From our very own John Cross…

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has flown to Barcelona in the hope of pushing through a loan move - but the deal is in serious danger.

Arsenal and Barcelona have yet to reach a financial agreement and Aubameyang could still end up staying at the Emirates.

Aubameyang, 32, took it upon himself to fly to Spain as Barcelona were not expecting him with negotiations still ongoing and now it will be a race against time to get it done.

The ticking point is over Aubameyang’s wages as he is on £350,000-a-week, Arsenal would expect Barcelona to cover the majority of his earnings to make a loan move happen.

But agreement has not been reached with talks ongoing. Barcelona are still hoping to get the deal done - but it is in the balance now.

Aubameyang has fallen out of favour with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and, despite the Gunners leaving themselves short of attacking options, they are willing to sanction the move and have been hopeful until this point that it will get done.

The deal is completely unrelated to Ousmane Dembele and Arsenal are not interested in him and neither do his finances stop Aubameyang from moving to the Nou Camp.

Dembele, 24, has seen a move thwarted to Paris Saint Germain thwarted because of strict Financial Fair Play rules.

PSG are one of several major suitors and are keen to sign him in the summer, explored doing it now but there is no agreement and Dembele is set to stay at the Nou Camp.

Mikel Arteta has left it late to add reinforcements in January but there is still time for the Arsenal boss.

The Gunners have missed out on several targets including Dusan Vlahovic after he rejected a move to the Emirates in favour of Juventus and Arthur Melo who looks set to stay in Turin.

Arsenal have been forced to scramble for alternatives with the clock winding down as the transfer window shuts on Monday night.

And Arteta's preferred XI has been summed up best here on Mirror Football - but will the Gunners coach get his wish?

Espanyol have told Arsenal that Raul de Tomas is not for sale in a further blow to their striker ambitions.

The 27-year-old is a player that is very much on the radar of Mikel Arteta's as he looks to sign a forward before the end of the transfer window tonight.

But that looks unlikely after Espanyol director Jose Maria Duran said: “Arsenal called for Raul de Tomas but we didn’t even want to talk. We won’t let him go now, no way. His release clause is €75m”.

That would be a significant amount of money to spend with just hours left of the transfer window and it appears that the move is dead in the water.

Arsenal have turned their attention to Alexander Isak, and fans were buoyed by the sight of the Real Sociedad striker in London this weekend.

Isak was first spotted in a bar in Kingly Court, Soho before he was then seen in Selfridges on Oxford Street.

A Rolls Royce registered to the UK with a number plate sporting his name was then spotted in the capital, but it has not been confirmed whether the car belongs to Isak.

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners have been in contact with Real Sociedad over a £60million move for the 22-year-old Swede.

The bid was reportedly rejected, with the La Liga club only willing to accept Isak's release clause of £75million.

The report adds that Isak is keen to play in the Champions League, which is something his current club cannot offer him.

Arsenal are also in the same position this season, but Mikel Arteta's side are in the top-four battle and are hoping to land Isak to help secure European football for next season.

Barcelona have offered Ousmane Dembele to Arsenal as part of the deal to bring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the Nou Camp.

The 32-year-old has been ostracised at the Emirates and Mikel Arteta is keen on him leaving regardless of a replacement coming in.

The Gabon international arrived in Barcelona today to formalise a loan deal until the end of the season.

And according to the Independent, Dembele could be heading the other way after his similar situation to Aubameyang’s at Barcelona.

The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season but the Blaugrana would rather him leave in January than keep hold of him and Arsenal are now a potential destination after being linked with the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

Alvaro Morata is not going anywhere, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the player and had coach Miguel Molina personally call the striker but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

The Spaniard had been offered to a number of teams including Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona but it appears he will now stay at Juventus and compete with new signing Dusan Vlahovic for a starting spot.

Álvaro Morata has decided to stay at Juventus until the end of the season. No Arsenal, no Tottenham, no Barça move on #DeadlineDay. #Juventus

Allegri wants him to stay and play alongside Dusan Vlahović. Álvaro se queda. pic.twitter.com/L5M5L6UYdI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022

Renato Sanches could be back on the agenda after a move to AC Milan fell through on Sunday evening.

Sky Sports Italia reported that despite a fee being agreed, the finances were not right for the Serie A club and they have pulled out of the race.

That leaves Arsenal as the only other club, as namedropped by Sanches himself earlier in the transfer window.

He said: “Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don’t know. I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling me but I can’t say right now.

"But I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in, I’ll find out what’s best for me.”

Arsenal’s need for a midfielder is apparent, with Mikel Arteta keen to add a partner alongside former Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey.

Arsenal's transfer window has not gone according to plan but deadline day can always spring a few surprises.

The Gunners are looking light in certain areas with a little over 24 hours left to do business.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu has missed out on several targets including Dusan Vlahovic and Arthur Melo with the former joining Juventus and the latter set to stay in Turin.

Arsenal have identified alternatives but it remains to be seen if they will have enough time to get any deals across the finish line.

Here are three deals that are more than likely to happen on deadline day.

Raul de Tomas has been identified as a shock replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is in the process of joining Barcelona.

Arsenal are keen to offload the 32-year-old regardless of whether a striker arrives at the Emirates.

There have been plenty of options on Mikel Arteta’s mind but AS report that Espanyol star De Tomas is a top target.

The Spaniard is well appreciated by the Gunners coach and has a release clause of €70m, while he has scored 12 times in La Liga this season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has arrived in Barcelona ahead of a transfer to the club from Arsenal.

A loan until the end of the season has been discussed with the Gunners happy to see the 32-year-old leave as soon as possible.

AUBAMEYANG EST ARRIVÉ À BARCELONE. pic.twitter.com/6KNJ4duDnr

— +Barca (@PlusFCBarca) January 31, 2022

The #FCBarcelona interest in #Aubameyang is long running. Both clubs have been in dialogue for weeks and there was tentative conversations in the summer too. #Arsenal just want rid now. There's no way back for the striker in north London.

— Alex Wood (@AJ_Wood15) January 31, 2022

Arsenal’s striker hopes might be going down to the last minute and there are a number of top names in the mix.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak and Raul de Tomas have been linked but fans have been asking for Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick.

The 26-year-old has been in jaw-dropping form this campaign, netting 18 goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances.

And it has been revealed that the Czech Republic international has a release clause worth £64m - money that Arsenal have after a failed bid for Dusan Vlahovic.

Could Schick be on his way to north London this January?

One of Cabral, David or Isak plus one of Nerves, Bissouma or Luiz.

— SimonSaysHypno (@SimonSaysHypno) January 31, 2022

Ousmane Dembele is now poised to stay at Barcelona until the end of the season after a move to Paris Saint-Germain fell through, report BBC Sport.

That could have a knock-on effect at Arsenal, where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had been top of Barca’s wish list.

However, wages had proved a stumbling block and offloading Dembele would have help pay the Gunners frontman.

Now with the Frenchman staying at the Nou Camp, it remains to be seen whether the Blaugrana will have the necessary funds to snap up Aubameyang.