Transfer Centre

Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'agrees personal terms with Marseille'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 July 2023

Chelsea forward Aubameyang 'agrees terms with Marseille'

Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang allegedly agrees personal terms with Marseille ahead of a potential switch to the Ligue 1 side.

Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly happy to join Marseille this summer.

Last summer, the Gabon international opted to return to the Premier League from Barcelona, with the feeling being that he would become a key player for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.

However, after his former Borussia Dortmund boss was sacked a week later, Aubameyang endured a frustrating campaign, contributing just three goals and one assist from 21 outings.

Many of the 34-year-old's appearances came during the first half of the season, and it has long been known that he has little future at Stamford Bridge.

As a result, Aubameyang has been linked with a number of different clubs, including from the Middle East at a time when clubs in the Saudi Pro League are aggressively attempting to strengthen their squads.

Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their first goal on October 1, 2022 © Reuters

A reunion with Barcelona also appeared to be an option at one stage, yet it now appears that another stint in Ligue 1 is the most likely outcome.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says, on Twitter, that Aubameyang has agreed personal terms with Marseille ahead of a potential switch to the Stade Velodrome.

Aubameyang is allegedly prepared to sign a three-year contract with the French giants, who finished in third position in Ligue 1 during 2022-23.

Despite challenging for the title at one stage, Marseille only had one player - Alexis Sanchez - who reached double figures in terms of goals in the top flight.

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelino Garcia Toral reacts on March 2, 2022 © Reuters

Marcelino Garcia Toral has been appointed as the club's new head coach and has seemingly prioritised recruiting another option for the final third.

Marseille officials are yet to successfully negotiate a fee with their Chelsea counterparts, with journalist Marc Mechenoua reporting that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are demanding in the region of €6m (£5.2m).

Nevertheless, Romano indicates that discussions are 'not expected to be complicated', with Chelsea having a need to get Aubameyang off their wage bill as soon as possible.

With Mauricio Pochettino's first-team squad travelling to the United States this week, the West Londoners are also keen to part ways with other unwanted players such as Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku.