Chelsea ‘frustrated as Aubameyang drags heels over Saudi Arabia transfer with Blues desperate to complete sale’
CHELSEA have been left frustrated in their attempts to shift Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Saudi Arabia this month.
Aubameyang, 34, is one of several players that Chelsea are trying to shift to the Saudi league alongside Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech.
The club feel that in the current transfer climate it is unlikely that they will receive an improved bid for the player who has one year left on his current deal.
But it is understood that Aubameyang wants to leave on his own terms rather than having his next club decided for him by a Chelsea board desperate to shift players.
The forward is "dragging his heels on any move" in favour of a return to Barcelona where he enjoyed a successful spell before signing for Chelsea.
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The Catalan club were forced to sell the forward to Chelsea because of their financial issues last summer but his signature is not seen as a priority for them this window.
Aubameyang is also attracting interest from the MLS and his camp are more open to a move there than to a Saudi club.
It is understood that the striker's representatives would favour a free transfer for the Gabon international in order to widen his options.
With a year left on his £160,000-a-week contract this would involve either running down the final year of his contract or Chelsea allowing the striker to leave by mutual consent.
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Aubameyang has endured a miserable time at the Bridge, returning just one goal in his 15 league appearances for the Blues.
Aubameyang is not the only wantaway Chelsea striker that has rejected a move to a Saudi club.
The Blues were hoping they could offload Romelu Lukaku, 30, after receiving an offer from Al-Hilal.
But Lukaku favours continuing in Europe and will hold out for a loan return to Champions League finalists Inter Milan, where he also spent last season on loan.