Chelsea ready to release striker on a free transfer

Chelsea are prepared to release Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The Blues signed the former Arsenal captain from Barcelona last summer but he has hardly played for them.

Aubameyang has managed just over 800 minutes and it has been claimed that he wants a return to Camp Nou.

It is now reported by Sport that the Blues are ready to release Aubameyang from his contract this summer.

The club were initially aiming to recoup funds but Barcelona are not in a position to pay a transfer fee.

Aubameyang is adamant that he would like to rejoin the Catalans and Chelsea could grant his request.

The 2020 FA Cup winner currently earns around £160,000-a-week. Those wages could be saved by Chelsea.

Aubameyang could be willing to terminate his deal without any compensation to rejoin Barcelona.

The striker is reportedly prepared to play second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski for next season and beyond.