Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal has confirmed that the Spanish champions are admirers of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and has hinted at a summer move for the Arsenal captain.

Quique Setien's team were strongly linked with the 30-year-old during the January transfer window but ultimately ended the month without signing a new forward despite their injury issues in attack.

Aubameyang will only have 12 months left to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer, though, and there remains widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Abidal has revealed that Barca will sign a new striker this summer and has said that Aubameyang, Chelsea's Olivier Giroud and Napoli's Fernando Llorente are all under consideration.

"It is logical that in summer a '9' will come. It is a necessity. We know that [Luis] Suarez will come back strong, but you have to bring a top player in the summer," Abidal told Sport.

"We do not know if it will be young or experienced. We only look at the talent and adaptation they may have. We must think that some top players have come and have not adapted well.

"I know him (Aubameyang). He has a profile that has depth. He is important, and in his team he is decisive. It is good to bring this profile of player who can be in the market and can help you. We'll see what will happen.

"There is a list with players like [Olivier] Giroud, [Fernando] Llorente or Aubameyang, but for one thing or another we decided not to sign [someone in January]. We believe it is best for the club."

Aubameyang has impressed for Arsenal since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in January 18, scoring 57 times in 92 appearances in all competitions, including 14 Premier League goals this season.