The 32-year-old was involved in deadline day’s most dramatic transfer, with the north London club agreeing to rip up his contract minutes before the window shut so he could join the Catalan giants on a free transfer.
Aubameyang had captained Arsenal throughout Mikel Arteta’s time in charge until the latest in a long line of disciplinary issues saw him stripped of the armband and exiled from the squad.
The Gabon international had not played for the Gunners since the start of December as a result, when he came off the bench in a 2-1 defeat away to Everton.
Despite a somewhat acrimonious end to his relationship with Arteta, Aubameyang was a well-liked member of the Arsenal squad and struck up particularly close relationships with Saka and Lacazette.
It was Aubameyang who dubbed Saka ‘Little Chilli’, even buying him a nickname-themed necklace, and the veteran striker is believed to have played a key role in convincing the youngster to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
Saka took to social media to pay tribute to his ex-skipper, posting a series of photos of the pair together along with the caption: ‘Thank you for everything. Legend.’
Similarly, Lacazette also praised Aubameyang, writing: ‘My bro!! Thanks for the last four years, my experience in Arsenal would have been different without you.
‘Wishing you good luck in your next chapter! See you soon.’
Aubameyang was unveiled to the media by Barcelona on Thursday and took a swipe at Arteta, saying he had been happy and content at Arsenal up until his recent falling out with the Spaniard.
Asked about his departure and relationship with Arteta, Aubameyang replied: ‘I think it was a problem just with him [Arteta]. He made the decision. I can’t say much more. He wasn’t happy, I stayed very calm and that’s it.’
MORE : Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says Mikel Arteta was his only problem at Arsenal
MORE : Arsenal planning to spend £180million on three superstar players this summer
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