Aubameyang: Barcelona's free gift who keeps on giving

"A gift from heaven," was how Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez described the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the striker, discarded by Arsenal, has certainly delivered.

It is hard to think of a more significant January acquisition than Aubameyang, given his impact on Barca's immediate and long-term future.

By the end of the season, Aubameyang's goals could be the biggest factor in Barcelona finishing in La Liga's top four, an achievement that could prove transformative.

He has scored nine goals in 12 games so far, including a hat-trick against Valencia and two against Real Madrid.

Missing out on the Champions League next season would have derailed Barcelona's financial recovery and destabilised the entire project under Xavi, who looks an astute appointment now but was unproven when he took his first major coaching job in November.

Barcelona's fortunes have turned around so dramatically that they now have two chances to qualify for the Champions League. 

They could finish in the top four in La Liga, where they are second after overhauling Sevilla on Sunday, or they could win the Europa League where they are clear favourites.

They face Frankfurt on Thursday in the first leg of the quarter-finals, with the winner to face Lyon or West Ham in the last four.

The 32-year-old Aubameyang's departure from Arsenal mid-season continues to cause debate in England, with some questioning Mikel Arteta's decision to let the striker leave for free, particularly given the team's struggles to score goals.

Many say the wisdom of that move will depend entirely on whether Arsenal finish in the Premier League's top four and qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

"I think (the problem) was just with him and