Even though the transfer window is likely to be pushed back this time around, the clubs have already begun doing their homework behind the scenes.
While there is apprehension regarding the extent of business clubs will manage after the heavy losses they are currently incurring, repercussions are also being felt in contract talks currently underway.
According to a report by Express, Arsenal have apparently decided to pull out of contract talks with their superstar striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and will listen to bids for him this summer.
As expected there is to be no dearth of suitors for the player in England and abroad as well. Inter Milan are said to be leading the race for the 30-year-old striker valued at £56million.
Here we will look at the other three clubs who are well in the race to snare his signature before the all-important next season.
3 POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
CHELSEA
Chelsea have had to rely almost entirely on Tammy Abraham this season to lead the line and provide the goals. Chelsea’s transfer ban meant that Lampard had to hand opportunities to a number of players who would most likely have been sent out on loan under normal circumstances.
But the move paid off with youth playing a huge part in the Blues’ decent run this season. And Tammy Abraham, with 13 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League, has ably led from the front. But Lampard knows he needs more options if they are to contend for the Premier League title and make a play in the Champions League as well.
He has not been impressed with Olivier Giroud and someone like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can spruce up the Chelsea frontline with pace and class and undeniable finishing ability.
At 30, he will not be a long-term option but is perfectly aged to be someone who can mentor Abraham with both possessing similar playing traits.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United are in a similar scenario with their striker conundrum. A highly rated and performing English talent in the form of Marcus Rashford successfully showing he can lead the line for Manchester United.
He has scored 14 goals and provided 4 assists in the Premier League, but Manchester United need more top-quality options if they are to challenge for the title in the coming seasons. Injuries have also not helped Rashford over the course of the campaign and shared workload will do wonders for his longevity and productivity.
A direct and lethal striker like Aubameyang will fit seamlessly into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s counter-attack based gameplay. His 17 goals for an Arsenal side who have been pedestrian for most of the season bodes well for any prospective suitors, including Manchester United.
REAL MADRID
Real Madrid splashed heavily on Luka Jovic in the summer shelling out around £67.5m for his services. But the player has failed to settle in Madrid and struggled to make a mark yet. He might be afforded more opportunities by the management but it can be reasoned that Los Blancos need a prominent face in their squad going forward.
Karim Benzema has shouldered the entire goal scoring workload with 14 goals and 6 assists in the league with Sergio Ramos the second-highest scorer with 5 goals.
The lure of Real Madrid will be a strong factor to consider for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and his established credentials in Europe means he will not take too much time to settle in his new surroundings if a move does materialise in the coming months.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
