Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is “depressed” at Chelsea and will do anything to return to Barcelona before the end of this month.
That’s according to AS, who cover the player today and his wish to return to Spain just six months after departing.
They explain that Aubameyang is ‘not happy’ at Chelsea, where he is struggling for gametime after falling out of favour under Graham Potter.
He joined the Blues to work under Thomas Tuchel but since the German’s departure and the arrival of Potter, he is one of the last options in attack.
The forward’s entourage have revealed to the newspaper that “he is depressed” while also refusing to deny that Aubameyang is ‘seriously considering’ packing his bags and leaving Stamford Bridge this month.
His preferred destination would be Barcelona, and, according to AS’ information, he has been in contact with Xavi Hernández to state that he misses the club and city and would be willing to return ‘at any price’.
Xavi has asked the striker for a little patience, waiting to see what happens with Memphis Depay, who is wanted by Atlético Madrid and an unnamed Premier League side. His departure would open the door for Aubameyang to return.
He would have to make a new effort, though, as he did when he arrived from Arsenal, and ‘significantly reduce his wages’ if he does want to return to the Nou Camp.
That is something he would presumably be willing to do, having enjoyed his time at Barcelona last season and shone at the end of last season. The club were also very happy with him and his departure to Chelsea was ‘greeted with displeasure by staff’.
They saw him as the natural replacement for Robert Lewandowski and wanted to keep him but the club desperately needed to free up the wage bill and Chelsea’s offer of €12m was seen as a good one by those in charge of the club.
Aubameyang would now like to return but for that to happen he would need to significantly reduce his wages, the Blues would have to accept a six-month loan move and the numbers would have to fit.
