Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has sent a transfer message to Arsenal target Ousmane Dembele, whom he describes as his “little brother”.
Aubameyang and Dembele have remained close friends since linking up in Borussia Dortmund’s attack before their transfers to the Gunners and Barcelona respectively – and they have now been reunited at the latter.
Gabonese striker Aubameyang netted twice for Barca in Sunday's 4-1 win at Valencia in a match in which Dembele also impressed from the start.
Aubameyang, who joined from Arsenal for free on 2 February, was making his first start in La Liga having also been included in the starting line-up for the first time for the Europa League first leg draw against Napoli on Thursday evening.
Dembele for his part made a rare start despite being booed by Barcelona fans in that draw against Napoli after rejecting the offer of a new Barca contract and subsequently being told to leave in the January transfer window.
Have Your Say! Should Dembele sign a new contract at Barca? Tell us what you think here.
Dembele’s future has been the subject of great speculation with his deal at the Camp Nou expiring in four months' time meaning he will be available to sign as a free agent this summer.
Arsenal have been among the clubs linked to the Frenchman, but Aubameyang has given an interview in which he has spoken of his optimism that his friend will stay a teammate at the Blaugrana.
The striker told reporters on Tuesday: "I don't know (if it is possible for him to renew at Barca), but the only thing I can say is that everything is possible in life.
"We had an incredible year in Dortmund and he is an unbelievable player.
"Ousmane is one of the best with him.
"To tell you the truth, I'm very happy that he's here and when I arrived I told him: "You have to stay, man."
"Dembele is like my little brother. We have never lost contact.
"When he scored, I always sent him a message.
"Did I message him before arriving at Barcelona? Yes, but not much, because I knew he was in a bit of a difficult situation.
"I didn't want to bother him and I preferred to leave him alone so he wouldn't think about more things.
"But yes, I wondered how things were going and if I would end up signing for Barca."
On Sunday, Aubameyang slammed in the opener against Valencia from Jordi Alba's assist in the 23 rd minute and converted home another 15 minutes later, surviving narrowly from an offside check by VAR.
Frenkie de Jong had netted a goal in between that in a devastating spell for the visitors, and while Carlos Soler pulled a goal back for Barca after the break – a stunning strike from Pedri, via Aubameyang’s back, settled the tie for the visitors.
The January additions for Barca including Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore now ensures Barca have an embarrassment of attacking riches.
Aubameyang is now off the mark for his new club in an important victory that lifted Xavi’s side back into the top four in La Liga and on course for Champions League qualification.
