Barcelona reluctantly let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join Chelsea in the summer as they were facing Financial Fair Play problems. However, if a fresh report from AS is to be believed, the Gabonese international is keen on coming back to Camp Nou this month.
Aubameyang joined Barcelona in January last year, arriving on a free transfer after his contract at Arsenal was terminated. The 33-year-old endeared himself to the club staff and the fans in his short time at the club, finishing as the joint top-scorer in the last season.
However, with Barça facing problems with the registration of new players, they had to let go of Aubameyang, with Chelsea offering €12 million for the Gabonese centre-forward.
But, the striker has struggled to perform at Stamford Bridge this season and is said to have grown disillusioned with life back in London. Recently, Aubameyang was brought in as a substitute by manager Graham Potter against Manchester City, only to withdraw him again later in the match.
This treatment, coupled with Chelsea’s impending capture of Joao Felix, has led to speculations that Aubameyang could be allowed to leave this month.
And as per the report from AS, Aubameyang would be willing to return to Barcelona ‘at any cost’ and has even contacted Xavi to inform that he misses the club and wants to come back.
This development comes amidst Memphis Depay being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid as a potential replacement for Felix. Talks are being held between the two parties over the Dutchman, but Xavi is reluctant to lose any players without replacing them.
However, with Aubameyang now seeking a return, Depay’s exit will hold the key to any such operation. But it must be noted that the Chelsea striker would have to make a significant financial sacrifice in order to secure a move back to Barcelona, who are again struggling with FFP issues.
At the same time, Atletico Madrid have also shown an interest in Aubameyang, although it would be impossible for him to join them this month according to FIFA rules as he has already played for two clubs in Europe this season.
A return to Barcelona would however be possible as they are one of the two clubs he has represented this term.
But for that to happen, three conditions must be satisfied – firstly, Depay must agree to leave for Atletico Madrid, secondly Chelsea should sanction a loan exit for Aubameyang and finally the striker must lower his wages so that they can fit in Barcelona’s salary margin without breaching FFP limits.
