Why Chelsea AND Man Utd want Aubameyang over Cristiano Ronaldo

Updated: 26 Aug 2022 23:42 BST
4 min read

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Barcelona 2022-23 — © ProShots

Chelsea are in talks to sign ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they look to bolster Thomas Tuchel's attacking options.

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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.

Thus, the Blues have tabled an £18 million for the forward, which would do much to ease La Blaugrana's precarious financial state.

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.

However, the latest development in the transfer saga is that Manchester United have joined the race to sign the Gabon international, according to journalist Nathan Gissing.

This means that both Chelsea and Erik ten Hag's United prefer Aubameyang to one of the greatest of all time - Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why Chelsea want 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.

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.

Excl: Man United have made a fresh approach for Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Chelsea continue to push, but have not yet reached an agreement with Barcelona. 🇬🇦 #CFC #MUFC
More here 👇https://t.co/iL3CZ6GgYy
— Nathan Gissing (@Nathan_Gissing) August 26, 2022

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.

Why Man Utd want Aubameyang over Cristiano Ronaldo

Aubameyang also fits Man Utd's system better than Ronaldo, with what Erik ten Hag is trying to implement at Old Trafford.

Evidenced by the 2-1 win over Liverpool, Ten Hag is looking for intensity with and without the ball - an attribute that Ronaldo lacks at this stage of his career.

Ronaldo wants to be a poacher, finishing off chances that are created for him, whereras Aubameyang will have more enjoyment in a role that allows movement and link-up play with the supporting attackers.

Add to that, Aubameyang's wage demands would be significantly lower than what Ronaldo currently earns, and this summer could be the last where the Portugal international can command a transfer fee.