Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Chelsea at the start of the campaign, and he has a contract with them until the summer of 2024. However, he has been quite underwhelming and was recently left out of their Champions League squad.
Aubameyang is clearly unwanted at Chelsea, and he wants to return to Barcelona at the end of the season. Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the Catalan club can only sign him if he is available on a free transfer, and the player agrees to reduce his wages.
When asked about his future, the player said via GOAL, “No idea. We’ll see. I like Barca.”
Barcelona are going through financial difficulties right now, and they are unlikely to be able to afford his massive wages. The cultured striker enjoys a close relationship with Barcelona players, and a return to the Spanish club would be ideal for him. He is unlikely to get regular game time at Chelsea next season, and it makes sense for the Blues to let him leave as well.
Chelsea need to bring in a reliable goalscorer at the end of the season, and they could do with getting the former Arsenal striker’s wages off their books. Aubameyang is one of the highest earners at the club, and Chelsea will be looking to invest that money on new signings.
Pierre Aubameyang confirms: “I’d like to return to Barcelona… but we will see”, he said via DjamLife on TikTok 🔵🔴 #FCB
◉ Auba will 100% leave Chelsea.
◉ Barça open to sign Auba but it depends on Financial Fair Play.
◉ Only way for Barça: no transfer fee & salary reduced. pic.twitter.com/sjGkIfJ8zA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 7, 2023
Meanwhile, Barcelona will need to add more depth in the attack next season. And Aubameyang has emerged as a viable short-term acquisition. He could be a backup option to Robert Lewandowski at the Spanish club.
Barcelona were quite disappointing in the European competitions this season, and they will need to address the weaknesses in the squad ahead of the new season. They are expected to win the league title this year, which should give them the necessary resources to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether the cultured star is prepared to lower his wages in order to facilitate a return to the Spanish club this summer. The Chelsea striker is in the twilight years of his career and will be hoping to play as much as possible. Clearly, he will get more opportunities at Barcelona compared to Chelsea, and the move seems ideal for all parties involved.
