Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has confirmed he wants to leave Chelsea this summer and return to Barcelona, whom he left a year ago.
Following his £10.5million transfer to Stamford Bridge last September from the Camp Nou, Aubameyang has failed to make an impact upon returning to the Premier League and is keen for an exit from Stamford Bridge – with Barca monitoring his situation.
Aubameyang, 33, was a transfer deadline day signing by the Blues last summer in a move which reunited him with former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, who was subsequently sacked a week later – with the striker struggling since. He has made just one start since November.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker only joined Barca 15 months ago, as he gave up part of his salary to seal a move from Arsenal. His contract at the Gunners was terminated on transfer deadline day to allow him to complete a switch to the Camp Nou.
Aubameyang had a respectable goal return of 13 strikes in 24 appearances for Xavi's side, but the summer signing of Robert Lewandowski pushed him down the pecking order and preceded his return to London – signing for Chelsea on transfer deadline day of the summer window.
The Gabonese striker was left out of Chelsea's Champions League squad in favour of newer additions in West London. Then-boss Graham Potter was open to sanctioning his departure and despite the manager’s subsequent exit, Aubameyang’s departure this summer appears to be almost certain.
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He has now confirmed he wants a return to the Catalan club this summer. Video footage has emerged of a fan asking the striker what would happen this summer and despite Aubameyang initially refusing to answer the question, when pushed on the subject he is filmed stating: "I would like to return to Barca, but we will see what happens."
Aubameyang’s struggles at Chelsea are even more stark considering the club’s goal scoring problems and lack of options for central strikers. Despite having a plethora of attack-minded players on their books, the Gabonese was the only recognised central striker.
His association with Arsenal, coupled with the instability in the Chelsea dugout and the departure of Tuchel have added the conditions for a difficult season for the striker at Stamford Bridge. However, Barca’s well-documented financial problems may make a return to the club this summer unlikely.
