Chelsea planning to terminate ‘unhappy’ stars contract and shift high earner off wage bill

Chelsea are likely to be busy once again in the upcoming summer transfer window and several high-profile stars could leave the club.

Graham Potter’s side sit 10th in the Premier League and are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season.

In order to trim down their squad, they will be looking to sell some of their players who are no longer in Potter’s plans.

Reports have claimed that Chelsea are planning to terminate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract at the end of the season.

The Gabonese forward was signed by Thomas Tuchel but has only featured sparingly under Potter.

In the Premier League this season, Aubameyang has only played 438 minutes and has scored just one goal.

Football Insider have reported that Chelsea are considering terminating his contract at the end of the season.

The forward still has an extra year to run on his contract, but Chelsea are keen on shifting him off the wage bill.

Aubemayang himself is said to be keen on leaving Chelsea as his game time has been limited this season.

The report explains that he ‘has been unhappy with his role under Potter’ and ‘is keen to move on in the summer.’

In order to make room for Chelsea’s January additions, Potter decided to leave Aubemayang out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad for the second half of the season.

“I don’t think it’s going to be difficult because Pierre is a professional and of course, I understand he will be disappointed. It was a tough decision, a tough call,” Potter told reporters.

“We had three coming in and two had to go out. He was the one that missed out, he’s done nothing wrong at all.

“We wanted to give David some game time today to see where he’s at and to give him that opportunity. I think you saw that one flash that he’s got. Pierre is just unfortunate and he will be fighting for his place for the rest of the season.

“Whichever decision we made there was always going to be a conversation about it but it was my decision. It was a tough decision absolutely, sometimes you have to make these calls but it’s absolutely nothing bad against him. He’s done nothing wrong at all.”

Aubemayang has been linked with a move to the MLS, although he could opt for a move elsewhere in Europe if he does leave.

READ MORE: Transfer gossip: Man Utd explore move for Chelsea star; Arsenal in ‘pole position’ for midfielder