Barcelona ‘make Chelsea outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a top target for the summer’

Barcelona have reportedly made Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their top striker target this summer – with Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino already on his way.

The LaLiga champions-elect want to sign Aubameyang, having only sold him to Chelsea last September.

Aubameyang, 33, was a popular figure in the Barcelona dressing room and would offer competition to Robert Lewandowski in the centre forward positions.

Sky Sports report that manager Xavi sees enough differences in their playing styles to put Aubameyang top of their shortlist of attacking players for the summer.

However, the club’s well-documented financial problems may preclude a deal, with Brazilian Firmino a cheaper option with his Liverpool contract set to expire in June.

The Gabon striker has found game time limited at Stamford Bridge this season and is expected to be among several players sold this summer

Roberto Firmino has already agreed a deal with Barcelona when his Liverpool contract ends

As Sportsmail reported, Firmino wants to leave Anfield for a new challenge and Barcelona have agreed a deal for him.

Aubameyang has been in touch with former Barcelona team-mates telling them he wants to return to the Nou Camp, having been frozen out at Stamford Bridge.

He was cut from Chelsea’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages and has played just 30 minutes of Premier League action since February after Graham Potter dropped him.

Sky say that Aubameyang’s attitude has been first class and he has continued to train in the hope of winning back his place in Chelsea’s forward line.

However, he is unlikely to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans going forward and the club are happy for him to leave in the summer window as part of an expected mass clear-out of players.

Barca wanted to bring Aubameyang back in January but didn’t have the money and this summer isn’t likely to be a great deal better as…