Barcelona did not call on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the La Liga giants cruised to a 4-0 win over Real Vallodolid. Aubameyang is close to moving to Chelsea, football.london understands, but a deal is yet to be agreed with Barca.
Chelsea have offered £22million to Barca and at the time of submitting the bid, there was genuine confidence it would be accepted. However, football.london understands Barca are still considering the offer as talks continue for his signature.
Whether it was transfer-related or not, the 33-year-old was an unused substitute as his Barcelona easily beat newly-promoted Vallodolid on Sunday evening. With the deadline on Thursday, Chelsea need to hurry up to try and convince Barca to sell the former Arsenal captain.
READ MORE: John Terry picks out perfect transfer for Todd Boehly and Chelsea in nine-word message
Barca boss Xavi recently admitted that he was not 100 per cent sure whether Aubameyang would be a Barcelona player beyond the deadline later this week.
"There is a market that ends on August 31 and we will see what will happen. I am counting on him and tomorrow it could be important, but we will see the circumstances," he said.
"We are going to assess. Neither Auba nor Memphis has come out and tomorrow we will be able to use them. We have to see how the squad turns out. The priority is to sign up Kounde."
READ NEXT:
Thomas Tuchel handed 'special' Anthony Gordon verdict as Chelsea's interest in £60m bid analysed
Man Utd's £85m Antony move could hand Todd Boehly £164m Chelsea transfer incentive
Barcelona drop huge £96m Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Frenkie de Jong Chelsea transfer hint
Ian Wright urges Anthony Gordon into £85m Chelsea transfer decision amid Everton demand
What Thomas Tuchel changed at Chelsea to help unleash Raheem Sterling ahead of Leicester brace
