Barcelona boss Xavi comments on star’s potential Chelsea transfer
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has commented on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s potential summer departure amid Chelsea’s reported interest.
According to an earlier report from Spanish outlet Relevo, the Blues are set to submit their first official bid after positive talks with the 33-year-old’s representatives...TAP.TO.READ MORE.
Having already offloaded Romelu Lukaku (on loan to Inter Milan) and Timo Werner this summer, it is easy to see why Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-forward.
At the same time, Barcelona are under pressure to raise funds to register Jules Kounde, who has already waited for several weeks since his transfer announcement.
Diario AS claims that Xavi seems to be the only one at Barcelona who is against the sale of Aubameyang and continues to fight to keep the striker.
Although, in his latest press conference, the Barcelona boss did exactly not rule out Aubameyang’s possible summer exit.
FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC – La Liga Santander
“The transfer market ends on 31 August, and we don’t know what will happen,” Xavi told the media when asked about Aubameyang’s situation (via AS).
“There are options in terms of arrivals and departures.
“I’m counting on him [Aubameyang], and he could be important tomorrow [vs Real Sociedad].”
FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-RAYO VALLECANO
On whether he will try to bring in a replacement if Aubameyang leaves, Xavi responded: “We are going to evaluate.
“Neither Auba nor Memphis [Depay] has left, and we can use them tomorrow.
“The priority now is to register Kounde.”
Aubameyang, who racked up 11 goals from 13 starts in La Liga last term, is obviously still a very good attacking option for Barcelona despite Robert Lewandowski’s arrival.
However, the appeal of regular football at Chelsea, as well as a potentially huge pay rise, could prove too attractive for the recently retired Gabon international to turn down.
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