Aubameyang poised for Saudi move as Barca rule out Spain return

Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks destined for a move to Saudi Arabia after Barcelona ruled out a return to Spotify Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The recently reintegrated Gabon international has been continuously linked with a return to Barca after falling out of favour in West London.

Chelsea paid around €12 million to sign Aubameyang last summer, but the striker has expressed a desire to return to Spain this summer. 

The Blues want to recoup some of the transfer fees, but there have been no takers since they put the former Borussia Dortmund man for sale.

After scoring 11 goals in 17 league games during his six-month spell, the Blaugranas were considering a sensational return amid plans to sign another striker to back up Robert Lewandowski.

However, they have ruled out a move for the 33-year-old, with reports suggesting the striker’s wage demands will pose a problem for Xavi Hernandez’s side.

While Barca have decided to shut down their interest in Aubameyang, the player is not short on potential suitors, with at least four Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, looking to snap him up.

The Saudi Pro League has recently become a final destination for several European stars in the latter stages of their career, handing out enourmous contract packages as they plan to become a major force in World football.

Al-Nassr completed the signing of four-time Balon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in January, while Al-Ittihad snapped up the current World’s best player Karim Benzema.

Several other high-profile players have been linked with a move to the Middle East, and Aubameyang is the latest name on their radar.

Other European clubs, including Serie A duo Inter Milan and AC Milan, along with Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, are also keen on Aubameyang, but they cannot match the financial power of the Saudi League.

Aubameyang no longer has a future at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea have slapped a €5m asking price on his head which the Saudis will be forced to pay should they decide to act on their interest.