Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s possible return to Barcelona could be a bargain deal, provided the former Arsenal captain once again accepts a pay cut.

Chelsea's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang waves to supporters as celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League Group E football match between Chelsea and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge in London on October 5, 2022. - Chelsea won 3 - 0 against AC Milan. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang waves to supporters as celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League Group E football match between Chelsea and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge in London on October 5, 2022. – Chelsea won 3 – 0 against AC Milan. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is rumoured to be returning to Barcelona from Chelsea.
  • The transfer fee is reported to be just €5 million, a bargain considering Aubameyang’s impact the last time he was with Barcelona.
  • The deal is contingent on Aubameyang’s willingness to accept a reduced salary, fitting into Barcelona’s financial constraints.

Rumours are rife regarding a potential return to Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese striker and former Arsenal captain currently struggling at Chelsea.

The intriguing aspect of this potential transfer is not just the player’s calibre, but also the low cost that Barcelona would have to pay to reacquire their former forward.

Aubameyang’s time at Chelsea has been challenging, to put it mildly. Following a move from Barcelona, the striker has struggled to find his footing in London, leading to speculation about his imminent departure.

Barcelona, it seems, are ready to open their doors to the 33-year-old once more.

Aubameyang’s previous spell at Camp Nou during the 2021/2022 season was marked by impressive performances. He managed to net 13 goals in 24 games, a statistic that speaks volumes about his quality.

This track record, combined with the player’s personal desire to return to Barcelona, has turned the tables in his favour.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea looks dejected after Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (not pictured) scores the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea looks dejected after Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (not pictured) scores the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The most eye-catching aspect of this potential deal, however, is the reported transfer fee.

It is said that Barcelona would only need to part with €5 million to bring Aubameyang back into their fold. This figure is a drop in the ocean compared to most high-profile transfers in today’s market, especially for a player of Aubameyang’s calibre.

The potential move does come with a stipulation – Once again, Aubameyang would need to accept a significantly reduced salary to fit within Barcelona’s budget.

With the club’s well-publicised financial constraints, it’s a necessary sacrifice that Aubameyang seems willing to make.

He has reportedly reached out to his former teammates and manager, Xavi Hernández, expressing a readiness to return and accommodate the club’s fiscal limitations.

This move, if finalised, would also offer Barcelona a short-term solution to offer back-up to the prolific Robert Lewandowski. Aubameyang’s striking prowess could provide Barcelona with the attacking strength they need to be competitive on all fronts.

In summary, Aubameyang’s potential return to Barcelona presents a fascinating narrative. The prospect of reacquiring an experienced and proven forward at a bargain price could be too good for Barcelona to pass up.

However, the final decision would be contingent on the club’s financial status and their adherence to Financial Fair Play regulations.