Reports claiming that Chelsea are in talks with an MLS side over a deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been backed up by some other sources.
Aubameyang only joined Chelsea in the summer from Barcelona, returning to the Premier League half a year after his Arsenal exit. However, it has not been an easy return to English football for the striker.
His former Borussia Dortmund coach, Thomas Tuchel, lost his own job as Chelsea boss just days after his arrival. Successor Graham Potter has been unable to bring the best out of Aubameyang.
Recently, Chelsea left Aubameyang out of their updated squad list for the remainder of the Champions League campaign. Subsequently, there have been claims that they could be looking for ways to get rid of him already.
Aubameyang has been linked with several European clubs, or even other Premier League teams like Everton. But his next venture could be on a different continent entirely.
On Monday, Spanish sources suggested Chelsea were in talks with LAFC over a deal that would allow Aubameyang to move to the MLS.
Now, outlets like Transfermarkt and MLS insider Tom Bogert are confirming that there are discussions ongoing between Chelsea and LAFC.
Bogert tweeted that “there’s truth to the talks, though sources stress nothing is close.”
Likewise, Transfermarkt‘s Manuel Veth has relayed that Aubameyang is “one of many options” for LAFC. Talks have taken place, he claims, but “there is nothing final”.
Aubameyang finds feasible exit route
LAFC were the last club Gareth Bale represented before his retirement. They also need to reinvest in their attack due to the sale of Cristian Arango to Pachuca last week.
Therefore, they could now present a solution to Aubameyang. Although he has already played for two clubs this season, the MLS would in theory be unaffected since their season runs from February to October, so isn’t underway yet.
Furthermore, the transfer window in the MLS is open until April.
Hence, it is one of the only feasible escape routes for Aubameyang if he is to depart Chelsea now. His contract at Stamford Bridge is due to last until the end of June 2024.
Since signing for Chelsea, the former Gabon international has only managed to score three goals from 17 games. Of his 11 Premier League appearances, only four have been starts. He has only returned one goal in the top flight.
At his peak, Aubameyang was a lethal striker. He still can be, as shown by his form with Barcelona. But something just hasn’t worked out for him more recently in the Premier League, either towards the end of his Arsenal spell or during his Chelsea stint.
With that in mind, moving to the USA might be an attractive venture for the 33-year-old. Indeed, Transfermarkt concludes he would be “open to a move to North America, in general, and Los Angeles, in particular”.
The financial implications regarding his wages might be the main sticking point here. Besides, Aubameyang would not be able to take a Designated Player spot in LAFC’s squad.
The only formula for him to sign on with them would be as a Targeted Allocation Money arrival. Bale joined LAFC in the same way. However, it reduces the club’s ability to spend on Aubameyang’s wages.
But the idea is at least there of him heading across the Atlantic. It seems this is one to keep an eye on.
