Transfer: Aubameyang Set To Join Barca In Triangle Move Involving Chelsea, Atletico Madrid

Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may yet return to Barcelona on a free transfer after just 6 months at Chelsea as FIFA rules stop him from joining any other club.

Auba 33, might be on his way out of Chelsea after his drop in the pecking order was evident during Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League.

Aubameyang can’t play for any other club than Barcelona & Chelsea due to FIFA rules. 100% confirmed. ?? #FCB

Been told Barça would love the idea to bring Auba back… but only if it’s 100% free transfer, different salary terms and only if Memphis Depay leaves (Atléti want him). pic.twitter.com/6pYlbDdd8R

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2023

The former Arsenal man was not on the starting line-up but he joined the play just 5 mins after Raheem Sterling picked up a knock.

He played till the 68th minute when Graham Potter substituted him for Omari Hutchinson while the Blues were actively looking for a goal with Riyad Mahrez scoring a few seconds ago.

Auba returned to London after a free move to Arsenal in 2022 and he scored 13 goals for Barcelona in less than 6 months including a brace for the Catalans in the infamous 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Xavi Hernandez had to part with his joint top scorer in the summer after the financial implication of having him and Memphis in the squad and the signing of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha left them unable to register players.

Thomas Tuchel was willing to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund frontman, but Aubameyang has been left stranded at Stamford Bridge with his untimely sacking.

Atletico Madrid are interested in his services, especially with Joao Felix's loan move to Chelsea. Still, since he played for Barcelona before joining Chelsea in 2022, FIFA rule stops him from playing for more than one team in a season.

Negotiations continue between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for Memphis Depay. Atléti are now showing strong interest, more than English clubs - up to Barça ?? #FCB

Understand Memphis would be open to join Atletico, as most important part of the negotiation is between clubs. pic.twitter.com/QqnZBACkKx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2023

Barca are open to taking him back but it must be a free transfer, and on lower wages than he was when he joined during the winter window in 2022.

The cash-strapped Catalans would also need to let Depay leave, Atletico are also open to taking the Dutch man which could be a triangle move for Chelsea, Barca and Atleti -- Felix joins Chelsea, Auba joins Barca, Depay joins Atletico.