FC Barcelona are planning to complete a shock return for Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports Sky Sports. The LaLiga leaders have made the Gabon striker their number one priority for the summer and want him to serve as a back-up for leading striker Robert Lewandowski next season. Aubameyang is unhappy at Stamford Bridge and is keen on leaving the Blues during the summer transfer window.
The report also states that Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is also on the shortlist at Barcelona and the Brazilian is considered a much cheaper alternative to Aubameyang. However, Barcelona boss Xavi had a good relationship with the striker during his time at the Nou Camp and the Spanish manager is keen on bringing Aubameyang back to the club.
The 33-year-old striker is currently unhappy at Chelsea after he was told by former manager Graham Potter that there wasn’t a place for him in the squad anymore before being omitted from the club’s Champions League roster for the knock-out stages. Despite Potter’s sacking, his successor Frank Lampard has also not included Aubameyang in any of his squads thus far.
Barcelona already tried to negotiate a deal for Aubameyang in January but were unable to commit the necessary funds. In recent times the Spanish giants have been trying to negotiate with the LaLiga officials for more flexibility in their investments as they are also looking to bring back Lionel Messi in the summer. However, Barcelona remain at the limit of their financial fair play capacity and can’t do any investments at the time unless they sell several players and generate over 200 million euros.
