Barcelona manager Xavi has provided an update on the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, admitting the club does not know whether the striker will leave the Nou Camp this summer.
The former Arsenal captain has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, who sanctioned the exit of striker Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan earlier in the transfer window. Blues manager Thomas Tuchel knows Aubameyang well from the pair’s time together at Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona Manager Xavi Tells Media Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Future Remains Unclear
Barcelona Signed Robert Lewandowski From Bayern Munich This Summer
Aubameyang joined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal in acrimonious circumstances in January. The 33-year-old signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Spanish club which was confirmed in early February.
However, Barcelona’s signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich this summer has cast doubt on the future of Aubameyang, who could find himself forced into leaving the club as Barca attempt to find a way to register new defensive signing Jules Kounde in a way which complies with La Liga regulations.
Addressing the situation, Xavi said: “We don’t know what will happen [with Aubameyang]. Right now he’s our player, he’s important but the circumstances will tell. At the moment neither Auba nor Memphis have left. Now the priority is to register Kounde.”
Memphis Depay Could Also Follow Aubameyang Out of the Exit Door
As Xavi mentioned, another Barcelona player heavily linked with an exit is former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay, who has been with the club since July 2021.
The 28-year-old Dutchman joined Barcelona after forcing a move from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, and has scored 13 goals in 37 games for Xavi’s side.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Serie A giants Juventus are interested in signing Depay, and that Barca are waiting for a decision from them before being able to proceed. The player is prepared to terminate his contract with Barcelona but will only do so once personal terms with another top European club are agreed.
