Todd Boehly has learned exactly how much money Chelsea could miss out on if they allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona this summer. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for a while now as a nightmare debut campaign nears an end.
Aubameyang has featured just 15 times for the Blues in the Premier League this season, directly contributing to only one goal. The Gabon international was brought in under Thomas Tuchel, though the German was sacked less than a fortnight after the summer transfer window.
Under Graham Potter, Aubameyang wasn't been given the time of day – nor was he by Frank Lampard, with both preferring Kai Havertz. While the former Arsenal captain is contractually obliged to remain in west London until the end of next season, he's expected to leave in the coming months.
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Over the weekend, a controversial video of the striker surfaced. On TikTok live, Aubameyang openly admitted that he wants to cut ties with Chelsea and return to the Camp Nou. Speaking to DjamLife, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues striker said: "I'd like to return to Barcelona… but we will see."
According to Romano, the Spanish giants are open to re-signing Aubameyang, but the club are still facing financial difficulties. The report states that Barcelona will only be able to sign the striker if he's allowed to join for free on a reduced salary.
Therefore, by terminating Aubameyang's contract, Chelsea could lose out on £6.1million by simply not garnering a fee. However, while the Blues will be missing out a healthy windfall, Boehly's job of trimming down a bloated squad becomes a lot easier.
In March, Aubameyang was pictured in the Barcelona changing room following a dramatic El Clasico win over Real Madrid. Chelsea fans spotted the striker celebrating with former teammate Ferran Torres in a video on social media, and senior figures at Stamford Bridge were not happy.
However, if Mauricio Pochettino is named next Blues manager then Aubameyang's exit doesn't seem to be an issue anyway. The former Tottenham boss appears to have already identified his ideal candidate to lead the line at Stamford Bridge.
According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Romelu Lukaku will be offered the chance to redeem himself upon his return from loan at Inter Milan. The 29-year-old, who joined Chelsea for £97.5million two-years ago, has featured 20 times for the Nerazzurri in the Serie A this season, directly contributing towards 10 goals.
While Lukaku hasn't impressed back at the San Siro, the west Londoners reportedly want to give him another opportunity under Pochettino. So, it seems like the club already have a solution to Aubameyang's antics.
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