Chelsea and Marseille are said to be in advanced discussions regarding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s potential transfer this summer.
The Athletic reports that negotiations are progressing as Chelsea aims to offload another player during their extensive squad overhaul led by new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Although Marseille holds genuine interest in the 34-year-old striker, there are various hurdles to overcome before finalizing the deal, with Aubameyang’s substantial wages being a significant obstacle.
However, the player’s weekly salary of £160,000 poses a challenge for the French club, as it could potentially exceed their financial capabilities. They would need to convince the player to accept a pay cut in order to make the deal feasible.
Before any transfer can take place, Marseille must also agree on a transfer fee with Chelsea, as the club has no intention of letting the former Arsenal captain leave on a free transfer.
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Pochettino has been vocal about his desire to offload Aubameyang quickly. He has repeatedly postponed the player’s return to pre-season training in an attempt to facilitate his departure.
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
As Aubameyang has been excluded from Chelsea’s squad for their upcoming pre-season tour to the United States, he will find an empty training ground upon his return on Monday.
Pochettino has effectively sidelined him, leaving him without a place in the team following a disappointing season where Aubameyang scored only three goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.
The Blues have already let go of nine players, and it is expected that at least three more will follow suit.
N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all ended their playing time with Chelsea.
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The next players on the departure list are Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Fulham have expressed interest in Hudson-Odoi and remains confident in their ability to persuade him to join Craven Cottage, despite their initial bid being rejected.
For Aubameyang, moving to Marseille might be his best chance to extend his European career, as several Saudi Pro League clubs are considering offers to end his unhappy spell in London.
