Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang does not want to join Manchester United if he leaves Barcelona, with Chelsea also keen on signing him.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has ruled out joining Manchester United if he leaves Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The former Arsenal captain is also a target for Chelsea over a possible move this month.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has stabilised a stuttering career since joining Barcelona from Arsenal on a free transfer six months ago. But while the 33-year-old played a starring role in Barcelona’s strong end to the 2021/22 season, he has fallen down the pecking order at the onset of the new campaign.
Robert Lewandowski’s arrival has pushed Aubameyang down the pecking order, and the Gabonese striker is now the backup striker for Barcelona. Despite that, Aubameyang does not want to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with Xavi Hernandez also keen on keeping him at Camp Nou. But that has not stopped Chelsea and Manchester United from pursuing the veteran striker.
Chelsea loaned Romelu Lukaku back to Inter Milan this summer while allowing Timo Werner to rejoin RB Leipzig permanently. And the duo’s departure has left Thomas Tuchel without a natural striker at his disposal, with Kai Havertz starting the season as the first-choice centre-forward. Such a situation has compelled the Blues to set their sights on Aubameyang.
No negotiations between Pierre Aubameyang and Man United as things stand. It was ruled out days ago, Pierre is focused on Chelsea bid as he wants UCL football. New direct contacts on Thursday to discuss personal terms conditions. ?? #CFC
Xavi, still insisting to keep Auba. pic.twitter.com/0UOfPrGW0N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2022
Recent reports have claimed that Chelsea will approach the Barcelona striker to understand his requirements to move to Stamford Bridge. But Aubameyang has been hesitant to leave Barcelona to join Chelsea, with the emergence of Manchester United not changing his stance either.
The interest from Manchester United stems from the departure of Edinson Cavani as a free agent. And with Cristiano Ronaldo not a happy camper at Old Trafford, the Red Devils need to bring in a new striker, despite Anthony Martial’s potential renaissance. Aubameyang has thus emerged as a viable target. But the Barcelona striker does not want to join Manchester United this summer.
The 33-year-old ruled out joining Manchester United several days ago, leaving Chelsea in the pole position to sign him. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can land Aubameyang, despite his and Xavi’s reluctance to complete a transfer. But Barcelona might look to cash in on him this summer, with Jules Kounde still not registered in La Liga.