Aubameyang attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan in January but had Chelsea exit blocked by FIFA rules

• Striker slipping down Stamford Bridge pecking order
• Left out of Champions League squad
• Has already played for two teams this season

WHAT HAPPENED? The Gabonese striker only completed a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, but has already slipped so far down the pecking order in west London that he has been left out of the Blues’ 25-playerChampions League squad. A move elsewhere was mooted during the winter transfer window, with the 33-year-old eager to find regular game time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Standard Sport claims that La Liga giants Atletico were keen, as were Serie A heavyweights Milan, but Aubameyang has already turned out for Barcelona and Chelsea in the 2022-23 campaign and FIFA rules prevent a player from representing more than two teams in the same season.

AND WHAT'S MORE: A return to Camp Nou could have been put in place, with Aubameyang previously hitting 13 goals through 24 appearances for Barca, but the Liga outfit were unable to discuss a deal due to Financial Fair Play concerns.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Chelsea are working with a 33-man squad on the back of a busy January window that saw seven players brought in and only one depart, with Aubameyang left out of entirely for a 0-0 derby draw with Fulham last time out.