PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is back at work with Chelsea amid rumours of a shock return to Barcelona this summer.
The striker, 33, was dramatically axed from the club’s Champions League squad on Friday and wasn’t even on the bench for the 0-0 draw at home to Fulham that evening.
On the pitch, the former Arsenal captain has only three goals this season, while his last start was back on November 6.
The brutal chop last week only strengthened claims from Spain that Aubameyang could go back to the Nou Camp.
He is six months into a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the club holding the option of a third year.
The Gabon international, who had his contract terminated at the Gunners by mutual consent after a string of misdemeanours and poor time-keeping, was given a weekend off by Chelsea boss Graham Potter as consolation.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
And Aubameyang promptly jetted out to Milan – just days after he was linked with a move to AC Milan.
The striker has also attracted interest from LAFC, with the MLS transfer window open until April 24.
Aubameyang was bang on time on Monday morning when the Blues squad resumed training ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime trip to West Ham.
He is in contention for a place in the squad but faces a gloomy long-term future in West London, even though the club are struggling up front.
Most read in Football
Potter brought on rookie David Datro Fofana, 20, in Friday’s stalemate in a boost to his striking options.
That was despite the fact the little-known £10.5million Ivorian, only signed in January from Norwegians Molde, was set to go on loan at one point during last month’s transfer window.
Keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga praised the influence of new signings £107m British record buy Enzo Fernandez and £35m defender Benoit Badiashile against Fulham.
He said: “Everyone saw Enzo’s quality and how well he played.
“He is a big player for us and, hopefully, he can help us a lot.
“Benoit is a really good guy, very calm and has big quality with the ball.
“He’s also strong in the air. He’s having a great impact on the team.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
