Juventus will rival Barcelona for the signature of Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports in Italy.

The Gunners star was deposed as captain by Mikel Arteta due to a disciplinary breach, has been banished from first-team training and looks extremely likely to leave the club.

And according to Tuttosport, Italian giants Juventus have joined the race to sign Gabonese international Aubameyang.

Aubameyang has been left out of the Arsenal squad in the last three Premier League matches – all of them won – and it looks like his Arsenal career is going the same way as former playmaker Mesut Ozil, who was ostracised and then sold in January.

The fact the 32-year-old has 18 months left on a sizeable £350,000-a-week contract may put potential buyers off, but Spanish side Barcelona and Serie A Juve are among the interested parties.

Xavi’s Barca were already said to be interested in the experienced frontman to replace Sergio Aguero, who was forced to retire suddenly due to medical issues after signing in the summer from Manchester City.

And the Old Lady are reportedly interested in a loan deal until the end of the season, at which point they could assess his performances and weigh up a permanent move depending on the situation at Arsenal and his relationship with Arteta.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is keen on a striker to supplement his current frontline of Paulo Dybala and misfiring loanee Alvaro Morata plus youngsters Moise Kean and Kaio Jorge.

However, the club are unlikely to splash the cash until the summer, making a temporary switch for Aubameyang an ideal middle ground.

Struggling Juventus currently lie seventh in the league table, outside even the Europa Conference League spots, already 12 points off leaders Inter Milan, having scored nearly half the number of goals of Simone Inzaghi’s side.

They are also linked with moves for unsettled Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi, and Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani, who is also wanted by Barcelona.