Home invasion could speed up Aubameyang's move from Barca to Chelsea

August 30 - Barcelona striker and Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was attacked and robbed at his home by four people wearing face masks who later escaped.

Barça have confirmed reports that the player and his wife were threatened with firearms and iron bars.

Authorities told Spanish daily El Pais that Aubameyang was beaten and forced to open a safe where the couple kept jewelry. Reports say they were bound and handcuffed during the robbery early Monday.

Aubameyang, a Gabon international, signed for Barcelona earlier this year after spells with Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal.

Reports suggest that what happened to him will hasten his move to Chelsea. He was an unused substitute in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Valladolid on Sunday and is among the players who should be sold to reduce Barca's huge debts.

A number of top football players in Spain have been robbed. However, most burglaries happen while footballers are playing, which makes Aubameyang's incident unusual.

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