Barcelona are looking at Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a possible alternative if they miss out on the signing of Athletico Paranaense wonderkid Vitor Roque.
The 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy has been identified as the top target to reinforce the frontline at Barcelona. The plan is for him to learn the ropes from Robert Lewandowksi before eventually replacing the Pole as the club’s main centre-forward.
Roque, for his part, has also admitted his desire to join Barça in the summer. Positive talks have been held with his camp as well as his club. But the Catalans’ Financial Fair Play issues could become a major hurdle in the deal going through.
Signing Roque will require a significant outlay in the summer but Barça will first need to reduce their wage bill by at least €200 million, following which they will prioritise the contract registrations of players like Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Sergi Roberto, before making new signings.
If they are unable to resolve the FFP issues, signing Roque could become impossible. In such a scenario, Barcelona have identified former striker Aubameyang as an alternative.
The 33-year-old spent six months at Camp Nou last year before being reluctantly sold to Chelsea in the summer, in order to register new signings.
However, Aubameyang’s time at Stamford Bridge has been nothing short of hellish and he is keen on a return to Barcelona. The former Arsenal captain made a solid impression during his time in Catalonia and is well-liked by the staff and the team members.
The veteran centre-forward was spotted in the Camp Nou dressing room, celebrating Barcelona’s recent El Clasico win against Real Madrid. This has seemingly angered Chelsea, who are now contemplating terminating his contract.
It would end up playing in Barcelona’s hands as they could sign Aubameyang for free in such a scenario while the striker is said to be lowering his wages in order to return to Camp Nou.
Roque remains the priority as things stand but if FFP issues rain on Barcelona’s parade, Aubameyang could be viewed as a fallback.
