Barcelona make Chelsea ace their top striker target, shortlist also includes Liverpool forward

According to the latest reports from Sky Sports News, Barcelona have made Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their top target to reinforce the centre-forward position this summer.

The Blaugrana also have Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino, Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque, and Marcus Thuram of Borussia Monchengladbach also on their shortlist for the summer.

It is well-established by this point that Barcelona will look to sign a new striker in the upcoming transfer window. As things stand, Xavi has Robert Lewandowski as the only natural No. 9 at his disposal and his recent decline in form has had an adverse effect on the team’s goalscoring.

So, the La Liga leaders are keen on adding another centre-forward in the summer to provide cover and competition for the former Bayern Munich superstar.

Vitor Roque of Athletico Paranaense was said to be the priority for Barcelona heading into the summer. However, increasing competition from the Premier League and his high valuation seem to have made the Catalans consider other options.

It has reportedly led to them making Aubameyang their top target to reinforce the No. 9 slot. The Chelsea ace spent six months at Barcelona in the second half of the last season, helping Xavi’s team finish second in the La Liga standings.

But the Blaugrana were forced to sell him in the summer to register their new signings. Aubameyang is unhappy at Chelsea and is keen to return to Barça and is even willing to take a significant pay cut to make it happen.

Barcelona, for their part, are interested in Aubameyang, but previous reports have suggested that they would only sign him for free i.e., either on a loan deal with no fee or if he comes with a letter of freedom.

Apart from Aubameyang and Roque, Barça also have soon-to-be-free Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino on their radar, although it has been previously suggested that the Brazilian’s wage demands would be high for the La Liga leaders.

Marcus Thuram, another player who will be available for free in the summer, is also on Barcelona’s shortlist. But there is intense competition for the Frenchman as well.

So, as things stand, Aubameyang seems to be the most feasible option for the Catalan giants in their bid to reinforce the No. 9 slot.