According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Real Madrid have snubbed the opportunity to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer. Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund striker, and could go unchallenged in their pursuit of the player.
Aubameyang is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, with very few attacking players matching his prolific record. And after enjoying two highly productive campaigns with Dortmund, the player’s stock has skyrocketed, with several top clubs across Europe registering their interest in him.
2016/17 was the most fruitful season for Aubameyang on a personal level as he breached the 40-goal mark in all competitions for the first time, also finishing as the top scorer in Bundesliga with 31 goals. The player, though, has expressed his desire to leave Dortmund to take his career to the next level.
And as per the report by Don Balon, the Gabonese striker may have gone a step ahead and offered his services to Real Madrid. The suggestion does not come as a surprise with Aubameyang previously expressing his desire of securing a dream move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Zinedine Zidane has publicly stated that he intends on adding a striker to his squad this summer, with Alvaro Morata and Mariano Diaz’s departures leaving him short of quality options up front.
Karim Benzema is now the only recognised striker at his disposal, with Borja Mayoral only likely to be a squad player this season. But, while a striker seems to be a priority for the Real Madrid boss, he is not interested in signing Aubameyang, having set his sights elsewhere for reinforcements.
His next best option now seems to be Chelsea, who have reportedly been in pursuit of the player for a long time. Antonio Conte has already signed a striker this summer – Alvaro Morata. But, the Italian tactician is eager to bring in further reinforcements to bolster his options.
Indeed, Morata apart, Michy Batshuayi is the only other option at the Chelsea manager’s disposal, with Diego Costa exiled from the squad. With the Belgian striker struggling to establish himself within the first-team setup, Aubameyang is a viable target.
The player’s addition could strengthen Conte’s attack considerably, with his pace and finishing prowess being an ideal foil to the qualities of the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro. It now remains to be seen if the 28-year-old chooses to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, with the possibility of a move to Real Madrid looking bleak.