Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'desperate to return to Barcelona'

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly desperate to leave Chelsea in order to return to Barcelona before the end of the January transfer window.

The former Gabon international has found it difficult to make his mark for the Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, only managing three goals and one assist in 15 appearances in all competitions.

Aubameyang penned a two-year deal with Chelsea upon his arrival last summer, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future at the club.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona would 'love the idea' of re-signing the 33-year-old, although a deal would only be possible if Memphis Depay departed amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

According to Sport, Aubameyang would be willing to play for the Catalan outfit 'almost for free' due to his deep desire to secure a return to Camp Nou.

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Aubameyang is allegedly even more determined to leave Chelsea following the club's acquisition of Joao Felix, who has joined on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Graham Potter's side are also believed to be eyeing a move for Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram before the end of the winter market.

Aubameyang impressed for Barcelona in the second half of last season, scoring 13 goals and registering one assist in 23 appearances in all competitions.

However, Xavi's side signed Robert Lewandowski over the summer as their main forward, which led to Aubameyang departing in search of a starting role.

The striker has only scored one Premier League goal this season, while he was substituted after being brought on in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the league last time out.

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Aubameyang was then missing against Man City in the FA Cup last weekend, but he will be back in the squad for Thursday's London derby with Fulham.

Barcelona are currently well-stocked in the final third of the field, but they do not have a genuine replacement for Lewandowski at centre-forward, with Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, Memphis, Ferran Torres and Raphinha all wide players.

As well as having to be prepared to accept a low wage packet, Xavi's side could allegedly only re-sign Aubameyang if Chelsea do not ask for a transfer fee.

Memphis, who is currently with the Barcelona squad in Saudi Arabia competing in the Spanish Super Cup, has been linked with a return to Manchester United this month, but Atletico have now allegedly emerged as the clear favourites for his signature.