Chelsea are furious at Barcelona for contacting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and will refuse to sell the player to the Spanish club, according to reports.
After his £10.5m transfer to Stamford Bridge last September from the Camp Nou, Aubameyang has failed to make an impact upon returning to England and is keen for an exit from Stamford Bridge – with Barca monitoring his situation.
But, Chelsea have been made aware that the Blaugrana have made contact with the striker without their permission and such is their anger over this conduct, they will now refuse any approach.
The Gabonese star endured the ignominy midweek of being a substitute in January’s Premier League defeat against Man City to be hauled off in the second half as his team chased an equalising goal – as his struggles to assert himself under Graham Potter continued.
Aubameyang was a deadline day signing by the Blues last summer in a move which reunited him with former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked a week later – with the striker struggling since.
Aubameyang was left out of the club’s Champions League squad in favour of newer signings in west London. With Potter open to sanctioning his exit this summer.
A report from Diario AS states how the relationship between the Blues and Barca has deteriorated after finding out they had been contacting Aubameyang without their permission and speaking to him about a return to the club this year.
Aubameyang only signed for Barca 15 months ago, as he gave up part of his salary to seal a move to the Camp Nou from Arsenal.
The 33-year-old had a goal return of 13 strikes in 24 games for Xavi’s side, but the signing of Robert Lewandowski pushed him down the pecking order and preceded his return to London – signing for Chelsea on deadline of the summer window.
Speaking after Aubameyang’s omission from Chelsea’s Champions League squad in February, Potter said: “Pierre knows the situation but he’s part of the squad, he’s an important player.
“He’s worked hard and nothing is set in stone; his attitude has been really good and we will make an assessment going forward.”
