Marseille and Chelsea are in talks to find a solution to the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang problem, with the forward not in the club’s plan.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Marseille are in conversations to find a solution for the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker will likely leave the club in this window, and the French giants emerged as a surprise suitor.
It is silly to connect some dots based on an unconnected activity that happened in the past. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang effectively replaced Alexis Sanchez back in January 2018 and could repeat that feat. This time around, the experienced forward could replace the Chilean at Marseille.
Marseille emerged as a suitor for Aubameyang last week, as the French side are keen on the experienced striker to join them. As per the report, talks with Chelsea are ongoing, although there’s an insistence the situation remains delicate.
Much of it will depend on the finances involved, with Aubameyang’s high wages likely to prove a stumbling block. Moreover, Chelsea are keen on receiving a fee for the Gabon striker, which complicates matters for Marseille.
Iliman Ndiaye and Olympique Marseille deal could definitely collapse soon. No agreement at this stage so deal is now getting difficult. 🔵 #OM
Ndiaye could stay at Sheffield.
Meanwhile, OM will discuss again with Chelsea about Pierre Aubameyang deal. pic.twitter.com/UR8TQoX0rd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
The 34-year-old has had a torrid time since returning to the Premier League with Chelsea last summer. In 22 games, he has managed 3 goals, which seems way off what he is capable of in front of goal. The Blues realised their mistake as they committed Aubameyang from the Champions League squad in January.
Aubameyang was in talks with the Saudis earlier in the window. But any move to the Middle East seems dead in the water. Chelsea had hoped the experienced forward left with many others for Saudi Arabia, but an agreement was never found.
There were premature talks about a return to Barcelona. But the Catalans have since ruled out the possibility. Aubameyang remains a Chelsea player, with the club keen to get rid of him and clear off his wages off their books.
Marseille may seem like a decent option for the Gabonese, who is well-versed in the French league. However, the wages could prove problematic for the Ligue 1 club to comprehend, which could derail a move as talks continue between the clubs.
