Chelsea reportedly ask Auba not to return for pre-season amid uncertain future

Chelsea have reportedly asked Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to delay his return for the pre-season training at Cobham.

Aubameyang made a stunning return to the Premier League with the Blues in the summer of 2022 after his short stint with Barcelona.

However, the former Arsenal skipper was unable to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge as his struggle in front of goal saw him relegated to the bench.

According to reports, Auba is staring at an uncertain future with the West London club, with Metro UK claiming new boss Mauricio Pochettino does not have him in his plans.

The publication adds that Chelsea have since informed the Gabonese not to bother reporting back to pre-season training until next week.

Mass exodus at Stamford Bridge

The development comes at a time Chelsea are overseeing a mass exodus, with the club offloading players deemed as surplus requirements.

According to The Telegraph, Aubameyang is among a string of players who have no future at Stamford Bridge as the club embarks on its mission to rebuild.

Romelu Lukaku is the other player facing a similar fate to Auba's, with reports claiming Chelsea are desperate to get rid of him.

The Belgian attacker was initially expected at Cobham this week, but his return has since been rescheduled as negotiations continue.

Other players who could leave the London club include Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi.