Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has put Chelsea and AC Milan on red alert after admitting his desire to leave Borussia Dortmund
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, in an interview with Radio Montecarlo Italy, has admitted that he is contemplating his exit from Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea and AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing the Gabonese striker, and could spring into action to make a move for him.
As reported by The Sun, Aubameyang said, “I am still reflecting on whether I should leave or not. This club and these fans are incredible, but if I want to grow, I feel I need to leave. This is the question I keep on asking myself — and I don’t have an answer. I need time to think about it. If I want to grow, I surely need to leave this summer.”
Aubameyang is one of the most prolific powehouses in Europe at the present moment, having enjoyed two highly productive campaigns with Borussia Dortmund. In fact, 2016/17 was the most fruitful season of his senior career as the player breached the 40-goal mark for the first time.
31 of these goals came in the Bundesliga, making him the top scorer in the German top flight ahead of rival Robert Lewandowski. The two are set to renew their highly talked about rivalry this season as well, but Aubameyang’s latest comments might point towards the Pole carrying the baton alone.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Bundesliga record since 2015/16:
64 games ?
57 goals ⚽️
7 assists ?️Always a threat. pic.twitter.com/vPZrrbLNbS
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 19, 2017
His goalscoring exploits have helped him attract interest from several top clubs across Europe. The latest among these are Chelsea and AC Milan – two suitors who have been in his pursuit for a long time.
At Chelsea, Diego Costa has been exiled from the first-team squad and is set to depart from Stamford Bridge this summer. While Antonio Conte has already secured the services of Alvaro Morata, recent reports have indicated that the Italian manager is eager to make more reinforcements.
Michy Batshuayi has not managed to impress the Chelsea boss since arriving at the West London club last summer. And with the Blues set to compete on four fronts, squad depth is an issue that Conte is trying hard to address before the transfer window slams shut.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have been extremely busy in the transfer market this summer, having made 11 signings for their squad. Two of these are strikers – Andre Silva and Nikola Kalinic. But, the Rossoneri have been constantly linked with their former striker, who has also previously left the door open for a return to San Siro.
However, Aubameyang has also said that he will only move to be a regular starter at a new club. The aforementioned prospect is unlikely to come his way at Milan, despite his stature in the game presently. Similarly, at Chelsea, he would have to share game time with Morata.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if Aubameyang chooses either club should he choose to call time on his spell at Dortmund. If not, it is likely that he will remain at the Signal Iduna Park beyond this summer, possibly leaving the club next year.
