Aubameyang decides to snub Chelsea exit and is ‘determined to do everything’ for starting spot
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘does not consider it the right time of his career’ to play in America amidst interest from Los Angeles FC, according to a report.
The Gabon captain joined the Blues from FC Barcelona last summer, months after leaving London rivals Arsenal.
He scored in his first Premier League match for Graham Potter’s side but has failed to score in any of his ten top-flight appearances since.
Starts have been hard to come by under Potter and Aubameyang must have been following Chelsea’s transfer business very closely last month.
The vast number of new faces brought in resulted in Aubameyang being left out of the club’s Champions League squad for the knockout stage.
This was a huge blow for the player, who was then linked with a Stamford Bridge exit.
LAFC are on the lookout for a replacement for Gareth Bale, who retired last year, and had reportedly identified Aubameyang as the man to come in.
The 33-year-old knows game time will be frequent with the MLS outfit, while he is likely to warm the bench or watch from the comfort of his living room for Chelsea.
A move to America seems like the player’s only feasible option should he wish to be a regular starter, but it has now been reported that he is not interested.
There remains interest in the former Arsenal striker from top European clubs, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan ‘all considering summer moves’.
At the age of 33, Aubameyang does not feel like it is ‘the right time of his career’ to play in the United States and is ‘aware’ of interest in Europe.
Aubameyang is confident he can still contribute at the highest level and is ‘aware’ the likes of Karim Benzema and Luka Modric have excelled ‘late in their careers’.
Despite being left out of the Blues’ Champions League squad, the ex-Borussia Dortmund hitman ‘is determined to do everything in his power to fight for his Premier League place’.
Potter was asked about the player’s future on Friday. He told reporters: “Nothing to report. He’s been training with us this week and training really well. A really good professional, supporting his teammates.
“He’s doing everything I expect, training well and acting well.”
Amidst interest in a summer transfer, Fabrizio Romano has said he is ‘100%’ certain Aubameyang will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
Raheem Sterling is set to miss the Blues’ trip to West Ham United this weekend, which means there could be a place in the squad for the Gabonese forward.
Having said that, loan signing Joao Felix is available again after suspension and will probably start against the Hammers.
