CHELSEA have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to snare Arsenal contract rebel Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang away from the Emirates.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Thursday how the Red Devils are eyeing up a £50million swoop for the Gabon international as he nears the end of his contract in North London.
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a reported target for Chelsea and Manchester UnitdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 30-year-old is tied down at Arsenal until 2021, and it has been claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side have accepted the fact the striker will not sign a new contract with the club.
All signs point towards a summer exit for the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace – who has banged in an impressive 61 goals in 96 games since joining in January 2018.
And after selling Olivier Giroud to the Blues that same month, it has been reported that Chelsea are set to raid Arsenal once again.
According to 90min, the West London outfit are one of a number of teams looking to nab Aubameyang, with Frank Lampard known to want to bring in a new centre-forward.
Lampard wants a striker to compete with Tammy Abraham up top, while the futures of Giroud and Michy Batshuayi remain unclear.
The same source indicates yet another Premier League club could be keen on Aubameyang, as they suggest Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan having previously managed him a BVB.
Other clubs that are believed to be targeting a move for the former Saint-Etienne marksman are Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Barca are understood to be in the market for a striker as they look to replace the ageing Luis Suarez.
It is thought that Inter ace Lautaro Martinez is their No1 priority, but they will make a move for Aubameyang should they fail to land the Argentinian.
Inter therefore have identified Aubameyang as their ideal man should Martinez leave the San Siro, with Antonio Conte looking to strengthen in his bid to end Juventus’ dominance in Serie A.
But despite Aubameyang being a wanted man, Chelsea fans are dreaming of the possibility of being able to sign one of their main rivals’ skipper.
One fan tweeted: “This would hardly happen,though if it does its gonna be one of the best Chelsea-thing this decade.”
Another said: “This is the kind of news I want to be hearing, he’s made for @ChelseaFC.”
A third added: “Don’t get me excited man. Aubameyang Saka double deal, both one year left on their contacts as well.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk