Why Chelsea want to sign Aubameyang over Cristiano Ronaldo
James Shearman
- Updated: 12 Aug 2022 20:54 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they look to bolster Thomas Tuchel's attacking options.
Aubameyang scored 13 times in the second half of last season, since joining Barcelona in January, but the 33-year-old could find himself down the pecking order after the arrival of Robert Lewandowski this summer.
And with Chelsea letting go of both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, Aubameyang could represent a short-term solution to Chelsea’s long-term striking issue.
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Indeed, the sales of Lukaku and Werner mean that youngster Armando Broja is now the only natural striker in the first-team squad.
Raheem Sterling is capable of playing through the middle, as is Kai Havertz, but Chelsea are in desperate need of reinforcements.
Negotiations have already opened with Barcelona over Aubameyang, who could be available for around €20 million.
Why Chelsea want to sign Aubameyang over Cristiano Ronaldo
Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United earlier in the window.
The deal could have been a permanent transfer or a season-long loan but Thomas Tuchel decided against either option.
🚨 Barcelona wants £21m for Aubameyang but Chelsea wants to pay a fixed amount of maximum £10.5m, Auba is willing to leave if conditions are met. (@relevo) #CFC
— Pys (@CFCPys) August 12, 2022
It appears Chelsea are much more interested in welcoming Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Stamford Bridge. Here's why:
First of all, Tuchel has an existing relationship with Aubameyang from their time at Borussia Dortmund.
In their two seasons together, the Gabonese striker scored an incredible 56 goals in 63 Bundesliga appearances.
Second, Aubameyang fits Chelsea's system far more naturally, as his movement would compliment the likes of Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling.
In contrast, the Blues struggled to adjust to Romelu Lukaku's game last season, as a focal point to the attack, which Ronaldo would also be.
Lastly, even though Aubameyang is 33 years of age, he is four years younger than Ronaldo.
This is especially important with regards to a permanent transfer, as the ex-Arsenal man could still be sold on for a fee later down the line.
