AC Milan and Atletico Madrid expressed an interest in signing Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January but FIFA rules blocked a potential transfer, according to Evening Standard.

Aubameyang has already played for two clubs – Barcelona and Chelsea – this season and according to FIFA rules, a player can’t play for three clubs in a single season.

Barcelona were the only club in Europe allowed to sign Aubameyang but, despite holding an interest, were unable to move due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

Aubameyang’s Chelsea future is in serious doubt after he was dropped from Chelsea’s 25-man squad list for the Champions League knockout stages. He was also left out of the matchday squad for Friday’s goalless draw against Fulham.

Third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, 19-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and Hakim Ziyech, who saw a loan deal to PSG collapse on deadline day, are among those selected ahead of the Gabon international.