Barça go all in on Valencia's Rodrigo & rule out Arsenal's Aubameyang

Barcelona continue to search for a No.9 after Luis Suarez was ruled out for four months. They have until the end of January to sign and new coach Quique Setien has expressed his desire for a striker to come in this month. 

Right now, the top target is Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno. The two clubs have held talks over the last few days over a deal for the Spain international. The contact between Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, and the Los Che hierarchy has been constant in a bid to close a deal. 

Barça want to sign Rodrigo on loan in the coming days. They are ready to pay his wages as well as a fee to Valencia. If a deal can be closed, an option to buy in the summer would also be included. The negotiations are ongoing because that option may be made obligatory. 

Rodrigo, who wants to play against Barça this weekend at Mestalla, is open to moving to Camp Nou. The relationship between the two clubs -- last summer they exchanged Neto and Jasper Cillessen -- could facilitate an agreement. 

Aubameyang, no

What Barça have now ruled out is the arrival of Arsenal striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. His age (30) is a handicap as well as the need to adapt to Barça's style. The coaches believe Rodrigo would not need as much time and would fit the setup under Setien immediately. 

One player who has not been ruled out is Olivier Giroud. The Chelsea striker would be an option in the case that a move for Rodrigo can't be pushed through. Giroud is the starting striker in the France team and is used to playing with Griezmann and Dembele.