Chelsea forward could return to former club just six months after joining Blues

Chelsea will be boosted by the return of Joao Felix when they make the short trip across London to face West Ham on Saturday. 

The Blues have endured a disastrous season so far, winning just two of their last 14 matches across the Premier League and both domestic cups.

Graham Potter’s side currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, and next up they face a Hammers side who have themselves enjoyed a minor resurgence after their own poor start to the campaign.

The likes of Felix, Noni Madueke and Mykhaylo Mudryk could all be in line to start the match, although one player that seems unlikely to be involved is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League last week, and he was also excluded from their match day squad for their goalless draw against Fulham on Friday evening.

Now, it appears that the player is being monitored by one of his former clubs.

As reported by Football Transfers, Spanish giants Barcelona are monitoring Aubameyang’s situation, just six months after the striker departed the club.

Aubameyang is said to be frustrated at his current situation

The player is said to be disappointed at his omission from The Blues’ Champions League squad, and it appears likely that he will leave Stamford Bridge this year.

The La Liga side attempted a move for Aubameyang last month, but they would have been unable to re-register him and he wouldn’t have been able to play for another side this season, as per the current FIFA rules.

The 33-year-old striker has scored just three goals in 17 games for The Blues so far this term, and he has fallen behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order in recent months.

Aubameyang has started just one of Chelsea’s last eight league matches, with German international Havertz often preferred.

Italian side AC Milan and Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid are both also said to be interested in a move for the ex-Arsenal striker, who looks almost certain to leave Chelsea.

The striker’s current contract is due to expire next summer, and Chelsea would likely demand a low fee to move him on at the end of the current season.