Chelsea lay Aubameyang demands as Marseille shows interest

• Chelsea is still in the process of trimming its large squad this summer transfer window
• The player who could be the next to leave is forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
• Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille are interested in signing the Gabon international

Chelsea has conveyed to potential suitors that they are not willing to let striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang depart on a free transfer during this summer transfer window. Among the interested parties, Ligue 1 side Marseille has recently reached out to negotiate a deal.

Aubameyang, who was signed for £12 million from Barcelona last year, made 21 appearances for Chelsea during his debut season at Stamford Bridge. However, he found himself excluded from the squad by both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard. Both the player and the club are keen to part ways this summer. The Gabon international was among the first players to be offered to clubs in Saudi Arabia, but a deal is yet to be finalized, and he won’t be travelling with the Blues for pre-season preparations.

Marseille has emerged as the latest team expressing interest in the 34-year-old striker. However, Chelsea has informed them that a transfer fee must be paid, along with taking over Aubameyang’s entire wage package. While Marseille’s offer may present challenges in meeting these demands, they are hopeful that offering Champions League football to Aubameyang might sway negotiations in their favour.

Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille are interested in signing Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a permanent deal. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

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Clubs in Saudi Arabia seem willing to meet the financial requirements set by both Chelsea and Aubameyang. Despite that, the player is hesitating to accept a move to the Middle East, as he holds out hope that a top European club might present him with a more attractive offer.

Notably, Aubameyang’s former club, Barcelona, has shown admiration for the striker. However, the Spanish club currently has other priorities in the summer window, particularly following their €60 million agreement to sign Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque. Although Aubameyang showed his desire to return to Camp Nou by celebrating Barcelona’s Clasico victory over Real Madrid in March with the team, a move back to his former club appears unlikely at this stage.

Aubameyang’s representatives are actively exploring potential options and are looking to secure a deal, especially while Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, is on their pre-season tour in the United States.

It’s worth noting that another Chelsea striker, Romelu Lukaku, is also expected to return to Cobham after the team’s departure and is also available for sale this summer. His situation is distinct from Aubameyang’s, and clubs may show interest in acquiring the talented Belgian forward during the transfer window.