Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might leave Chelsea for free this summer, according to Chelsea.
At the conclusion of his miserable 2022–23 season, Chelsea is reportedly willing to let unwanted striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave for nothing.
Less than a year after moving to Barcelona, the former Arsenal player was persuaded to return to the Premier League, first to work for former Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel.
Aubameyang, though, had only been at Stamford Bridge for a few weeks when Tuchel was fired, and he did not perform well during Graham Potter's brief reign as manager.
Even if Chelsea continues to struggle in front of goal, the Gabon international was left out of the Blues' Champions League team for the final rounds, and there have also been few indications of a comeback under Frank Lampard.
Aubameyang has a deal with the West London club through the summer of 2024, but it's anticipated that he'll be one of the first players out the door this summer as Chelsea look to drastically reduce their pay budget.
The 33-year-old is expected to join AC Milan, a team he played for from 2008 to 2012, while Los Angeles FC, a team in Major League Soccer, is also said to be interested.
The former striker, who reportedly informed his former Blaugrana colleagues that he would be open to a comeback, has, nevertheless, been connected to Barcelona the most.
Aubameyang's return to Barcelona would be made possible if Chelsea were willing to break up his contract and let him leave for free, according to Football Espana.
Furthermore, based on his prior successful performances while wearing Catalan colours, at least 80% of the Barcelona team would reportedly welcome the 33-year-old back with open arms.
In the second half of the 2021–22 season, Aubameyang scored 13 goals in 24 games for Xavi's team, and Barca might be able to close a deal because of their better financial status.
However, a new striker is not believed to be high on Barcelona's agenda as the team anticipates keeping the productive Robert Lewandowski on the books through the 2023–24 campaign.
However, given that Aubameyang can fill in on the wings, the departures of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha could provide an opportunity for him to return.
In 20 appearances for Chelsea, the Gabonese striker has only contributed three goals and one assist, including one goal in 14 Premier League games.
Aubameyang hasn't played in the first half of a Premier League match since January 5, but he did come off the bench for 45 minutes in last week's 2-0 loss to West London rivals Brentford.
