How Aubameyang could fit at Chelsea
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 4 Aug 2022 17:54 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they continue to look for ways to bolster their front line ahead of the new season.
Aubameyang scored 13 times in the second half of last season after joining Barcelona in January but the 33-year-old could find himself down the pecking order after the arrival of Robert Lewandowski this summer.
Having previously played under Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, Aubameyang’s familiarity with both the Chelsea manager and English football has seemingly made Chelsea turn their attention to him.
With Chelsea having lost Romelu Lukaku this summer and Timo Werner heading for an exit, Aubameyang could represent a short-term solution to Chelsea’s long-term striking issue.
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How would Chelsea line-up with Aubameyang?
Aubameyang is rumoured to be on course to receive an €18 million salary at Barcelona this year after taking a smaller salary last year in order to leave Arsenal on a free transfer mid-season.
It would mean that Chelsea, while perhaps being able to secure Aubameyang on a nominal fee, would likely be paying him large wages to join and would therefore see him as a starter rather than a bench option.
While Aubameyang is open to a reunion with Tuchel, he is understood to be uncertain about leaving Barcelona and joining Chelsea, in part due to his Arsenal connections as well as his high salary.
Should he join, Aubameyang would instantly slot in up front considering Chelsea’s lack of out-and-out strikers, although Tuchel may choose to stick with last season’s system with Kai Havertz as a false nine.
The Gabonese forward featured as a wide player earlier in his career but, given his increasing age and declining pace, as well as the arrival of Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge, Aubameyang may not be utilised as much there.
Aubameyang would likely replace Havertz in the team, with the German failing to consistently prove his ability in a variety of unorthodox positions.
Chelsea would be hoping that Aubameyang will recapture his best form after scoring just 15 times in his last 49 games for Arsenal in the Premier League.
A partnership with Sterling and Mason Mount up top would provide Chelsea with some proven quality but, in Aubameyang, they would be relying on a player whose best days may be behind him.
