Aubameyang considers a return to Barça, but the club has outlined financial sacrifices he must make for the move to happen.

Chelsea's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attends a team training session at Chelsea's Cobham training facility in Stoke D'Abernon, southwest of London on March 6, 2023 on the eve of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match against Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attends a team training session at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility in Stoke D’Abernon, southwest of London on March 6, 2023 on the eve of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match against Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Aubameyang shows interest in returning to Barça, willing to accept a lesser role.
  • Barça outlines conditions for Aubameyang’s return, including a free transfer or loan deal and a significant salary reduction.
  • Barcelona continue to search for a young striker, with Vitor Roque as a priority target despite Arsenal’s strong interest in the Brazilian.

Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly shown interest in returning to Barcelona next season, but the Spaniards have communicated the financial sacrifices he would need to make for the move to materialise.

Aubameyang open to a lesser role at Barça

The Gabonese international is said to be willing to accept a less prominent role at the club if he can secure a return.

However, the financial aspect of the move is a key factor for both parties, given Barcelona’s salary cap restrictions.

Barça’s conditions for Aubameyang’s return

Barcelona have made it clear to Aubameyang and his representatives that they can only consider his signing if he arrives on a free transfer or loan deal, and if he agrees to reduce his current salary by almost 50%.

The striker appears to be open to these conditions.

Aubameyang’s time in London

Since transferring to Chelsea, Aubameyang has had a limited role at the London club. He has played just 19 times (871 minutes), scoring three and assisting one.

Chelsea are reportedly keen for the forward to leave in order to save on his wages.

However, they are also seeking financial compensation, with clubs like Inter Milan showing interest in paying a minimal transfer fee.

Chelsea paid €12m to sign Auba from Barcelona after Arsenal cancelled his contract so he could move to Spain for free as they also looked to get his wages off their books.

Barça’s plans for a young striker

While considering Aubameyang’s return as a serious option, Barcelona are also working on signing a young forward with potential.

Vitor Roque is their priority target, but his price is increasing, leading the club to explore other options in the European market.

If a suitable young forward cannot be signed at a reasonable price, Aubameyang’s chances of returning to Barça may increase.