Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed his future plans at Barcelona, despite serious interest from Chelsea this summer. As Thomas Tuchel tries to bolster his attack force, the 33-year-old has been extensively linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
The Gabonese international departed Arsenal in January after his contract was terminated at the club. Aubameyang subsequently joined Barcelona and enjoyed a spectacular season, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.
However, the signings of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, together with the contract extension of Ousmane Dembele, have pushed the Gabonese attacker down the Barcelona standings.
Speaking to Spanish TV station Jugones, Aubameyang broke his silence on the matter. He said: “My future? I have nothing to say.”
The forward is nearing the end of his playing career and might be looking for regular playing time. He may struggle to get that under manager Xavi Hernandez, who has found a new line leader in Lewandowski.
He was left out of the La Liga champions’ starting XI in their season opener against Rayo Vallecano. He replaced Jordi Alba with eight minutes remaining in regulation time.
It remains to be seen whether the 2015 ‘African Footballer of the Year’ would be as eager to orchestrate a reunion at Stamford Bridge as Tuchel. Aubameyang formerly played for the German club Westfalenstadion between 2017 and 2018.
Tuchel has also spoken on the situation. In a pre-match news conference ahead of Chelsea’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, the German said that “I enjoyed a lot working with him [at Borussia Dortmund]. It was a pleasure.
The Blues can provide Aubameyang with something that Barcelona cannot: a starting spot in their attack.
