KEY POINTS

  • Aubameyang spent four and a half years at Arsenal
  • He joined Barcelona during the winter window earlier this year
  • He netted 11 goals in 17 league games for Barcelona last term

FC Barcelona have reportedly rejected Chelsea's opening bid for forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the ongoing summer window.

Chelsea's offer for Aubameyang was around $14 million, but Barcelona have labeled the Gabon national with an asking price of around $25 million, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported. The Catalans are looking to sell the former Arsenal captain to secure Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.

With Timo Werner gone back to RB Leipzig and Romelu Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan, Thomas Tuchel wants to bolster his attack for the 2022-23 campaign. Tuchel worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund, and it is understood that the two share a great bond that could help the Blues land the Barcelona forward.

Chelsea and Barcelona are still in talks over Aubameyang, who joined the Camp Nou on a free transfer in January, according to journalist Toni Juanmartí, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.

Aubameyang spent over four seasons at Arsenal. Just ahead of the deadline day of the January 2022 winter window, the Gunners released Aubameyang from his contract, which could allow the player to join Barcelona as a free agent.

After a frustrating time at Arsenal in the first half of the 2021-22 campaign, which was disrupted by disciplinary issues and saw him lose the captaincy, Aubameyang revived his season at Barcelona. The 33-year-old forward scored 11 goals in 17 La Liga appearances, helping the side finish second despite having been in a battle just to qualify for the Champions League when he joined.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates his second goal in Barcelona's 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid on Sunday
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates his second goal in Barcelona's 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid on Sunday AFP / JAVIER SORIANO

Over the years, Aubameyang has netted more than 300 goals and provided 92 assists in all competitions.

However, with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, Aubameyang has been pushed down the pecking order at Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona as he came on for the final eight minutes of the team's goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano in their La Liga opener Saturday.