Chelsea are reportedly willing to let unwanted striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang depart for free at the end of his nightmare 2022-23 season.
The former Arsenal man was coaxed back to the Premier League less than a year after joining Barcelona, initially to work under ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel.
However, Aubameyang had only been at Stamford Bridge for a weeks before Tuchel was given the boot, and he failed to make the grade during Graham Potter's short-lived spell in charge.
The Gabon international was even left out of the Blues' Champions League squad for the knockout stages, and there have been little signs of a revival under Frank Lampard either, in spite of Chelsea's ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Aubameyang remains contracted to the West London club until the summer of 2024, but he is expected to be one of the first names out of the door this summer as Chelsea plan to significantly trim their wage bill.
© Reuters
The 33-year-old has been tipped to return to Italy with AC Milan, whom he represented between 2008 and 2012, while MLS outfit Los Angeles FC have been credited with an interest too.
However, Barcelona have been the most strongly linked with a move for their former striker, who has apparently told his old Blaugrana teammates that he would be open to a return.
According to Football Espana, Chelsea would be prepared to rip up Aubameyang's contract and allow him to depart for nothing, opening the door for a return to Barcelona.
Furthermore, at least 80% of the Barcelona squad would apparently welcome the 33-year-old back with open arms given his previous positive exploits in Catalonian colours.
Aubameyang struck 13 goals in 24 outings for Xavi's side in the second half of the 2021-22 season, and Barca could pull off a deal due to their improving financial situation.
© Reuters
A new striker is not thought to be high on Barca's agenda, though, as the club are expecting the prolific Robert Lewandowski to remain on the books for the 2023-24 season.
Nevertheless, with Aubameyang capable of deputising out wide, the possible exits of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Raphinha could open the door for him to come back.
The Gabon marksman has recorded just three goals and one assist in 20 appearances for Chelsea, including a solitary strike from 14 Premier League outings.
Aubameyang has not started a top-flight game since January 5, although he was given a 45-minute cameo off the bench in last week's 2-0 defeat to West London rivals Brentford.
That loss to the Bees marked a fifth defeat in a row for Lampard's outfit, who have dropped to 12th in the table ahead of Tuesday's trip to Aubameyang's former employers Arsenal.
