LAFC drop major Aubameyang transfer hint

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Feb 2023 07:58 GMT
• 4 min read

LAFC have dropped a major hint that they are closing in on a move to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Chelsea.

The MLS side have been closely associated with a move for the Gabon international for two weeks, with it evident that he is no longer a central part of Graham Potter's plan at Stamford Bridge.

Reports that LAFC were "close" to a deal began circulating on Wednesday and the MLS club have added fuel to the fire via a social media post that simply contains a wink emoji and shows them getting ready to ship a club cap out.

The clear implication here is that they are closing on another signing - and Aubameyang, of course, is their major target.

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Aubameyang has doubts over move

FootballTransfers' understanding is that Aubameyang has been mulling over the possibility of a deal, the framework of which has been agreed by the clubs. The 33-year-old, though, is not necessarily sold on relocating again, particularly if the agreement is a short-term loan deal. Since January 2021, he has already moved from London to Barcelona and back again.

Aubameyang arrived at Chelsea in a shock move late in the summer transfer window from Barcelona, having only moved to the Camp Nou club months previous.

He has since found himself on the periphery of matters at Stamford Bridge, and though Graham Potter has said that he can still have a role to play this season, he has been left out of the club’s Champions League squad.

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Aubameyang reacted to that message by flying to Milan, where he was pictured as the Blues played out a frustrating draw against Fulham at home – their second successive scoreless draw.

Should he leave for LAFC, the MLS club will assume the whole of the player’s salary, which totals around €9 million per season.

A suitable destination has been difficult to find for Aubameyang because he has already played for two teams this season, having turned out for Barcelona at the beginning of the campaign.

Although FIFA regulations state that a player can only feature for two clubs in any given season, because the MLS campaign runs in a calendar year and not following the traditional European season of August to May, this transfer is possible.

It remains to be seen, however, whether this is a deal that Aubameyang wants.

Ziyech to the UAE?

Meanwhile, Hakim Ziyech, who was signed from Ajax for €40m in 2020, has also been linked with a transfer away from the club. Le10Sport reports that a club in the UAE is still pushing to sign the Morocco international.

Ziyech is believed to be pushing for a clause in his contract that would allow him to move back to Europe should an offer be on the table.

FootballTransfers' information is, however, that it is Chelsea's intention to retain Ziyech until the summer.