Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 5 Transfer Options for Chelsea Striker After Being Axed From Champions League Squad

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fallen out of favour at Chelsea, barely five months after he joined them from Barcelona
• The 33-year-old was recently axed from the Blues' Champions League squad, sparking suggestions he could depart the club in the summer
• Despite his struggles with the Blues, the former Arsenal skipper is not expected to fall short of transfer options

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is staring at an uncertain future with Chelsea barely five months after he joined them.

The Gabonese striker joined the Blues on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2022 from Barcelona to seal a stunning return to the Premier League.

Aubameyang left the English topflight for Barcelona in January 2022 after a fallout with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

While he enjoyed a bright start to life at Camp Nou during his short stint with the Catalans, Auba resolved to swap the La Liga for the Premier League after the arrival of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.

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His move to Chelsea saw him reunite with Thomas Tuchel, who he had worked under during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.

Aubameyang's Chelsea struggles

However, the former Gabon international has struggled to make a mark at Stamford Bridge months after his much-publicised transfer.

Aubameyang has managed just one Premier League goal in 11 appearances for the Blues, with his worrying run of form earning him criticism.

His tumultuous spell with Chelsea came to the fore last week when Blues boss Graham Potter axed him from the team's Champions League squad.

Auba's axing from the team was occasioned by the west Londoners' massive spending spree during the January transfer window.

The Stamford Bridge dwellers signed eight players during the window, with Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, and Enzo Fernandez among the top signings.

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Given the squad depth, Potter was left with no choice but to drop Auba from his Champions League squad in order to accommodate new signings.

The former Arsenal striker is unlikely to earn a starting role under Potter in the coming weeks, meaning the 33-year-old could be forced to see a move elsewhere in the summer.

Sports Brief takes a look at the top five clubs Auba could join if he dumps Chelsea:

1. Barcelona

The La Liga giants are among Aubameyang's likeliest destinations in the summer.

The Gabonese star enjoyed a brilliant stint with the Spanish giants during his short stay at the club, scoring an impressive 11 La Liga goals in just 18 appearances.

2. AC Milan

Auba's love for Milan is no secret.

Upon his axing from Chelsea's Champions League squad, the forward is said to have flown to Milan with his family for a short excursion.

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The forward spent part of his youth career with the Italian giants between 2008 and 2011 and could be tempted with a return.

3. Borussia Dortmund.

The Gabonese star made a name for himself in the world of football during his time with Borussia Dortmund.

Auba spent five years with the Bundesliga club, making over 140 appearances for them in the German top flight - scoring an eyewatering 98 goals in the process.

A return to Signal Iduna Park would therefore be a plausible idea.

4. Atletico Madrid

A move to Atletico Madrid has equally been mooted for Aubameyang.

The striker was linked with a move to Wanda Metropolitano but FIFA guidelines scampered the transfer.

5. Major League Soccer

Given his advancing age, a move to the Major League Soccer could pass as plausible.

At 33, Auba would not doubt flirt with the idea of winding up his career in the MLS.

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Aubameyang sends Potter message

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that there seems to be no end in sight for Chelsea's woes after yet another loss to London neighbours Fulham, with many key incidents and decisions sending different messages about the situation at the club.

New arrival from Atletico Madrid, João Felix was handed his full debut and was the brightest man in Chelsea's attack, until an over-ambitious and reckless challenge made him see a straight red in the 58th minute.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and new signing, David Datro Fofana were the two recognised number 9s on the bench, but Graham Potter opted to shake up the defence and midfield, leaving makeshift striker Kai Havertz on.