LAFC must convince Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of any transfer to MLS if they are to sign the Chelsea striker. He is also a target of Aston Villa manager Unai Emery for the summer.
That is according to the Evening Standard, which reports LAFC are exploring a transfer for Aubameyang. The MLS franchise can exploit a loophole in FIFA regulations to sign the 33-year-old. But a potential move to America does not entice the ex-Gabon captain just yet.
Aubameyang still sees himself as a top-level player who can have a career in Europe with his days at Chelsea numbered. Graham Potter has now omitted the striker from the Blues’ Champions League squad. He also did not make their Premier League side against Fulham.
Potter disappointed Aubameyang by snubbing the striker from the west London derby at Stamford Bridge that ended 0-0 on Friday. It was the first time since joining the club from Barcelona in September that the 73-cap star did not make a top-flight team while he is fit.
Chelsea paid the Blaugrana £12m to sign Aubameyang under Thomas Tuchel on a two-year contract last summer. His £170k-a-week deal also includes an option to extend by a further year. But Blues chiefs are already looking to let him leave at the end of the current season.
Aubameyang’s transfer from Chelsea interests Aston Villa, AC Milan and Atletico
Teams in Spain and Italy explored possible transfers for Aubameyang in January. But FIFA rules blocked a route away from Chelsea having featured once for Barcelona earlier in the season. FIFA rules stipulate that players can only to represent two sides in a single season.
But LAFC are looking to sign Aubameyang before the MLS market closes on April 24. They can exploit the FIFA rule as the 2023 MLS campaign – which will begin on February 25 – is considered a different season. Yet they must convince the striker to move across the pond.
LAFC are targeting a deal having lost Gareth Bale following the Wales hero’s retirement in January. Aubameyang accepting the transfer would come as a blow for Emery as the Aston Villa boss is also interested in a potential swoop for the Chelsea forward, per The Athletic.
Emery has to wait until the summer before Aston Villa can pursue a transfer from Chelsea for Aubameyang. He might also have to rival Atletico Madrid and AC Milan. The Daily Mail has cited the La Liga and Serie A sides as potential landing spots for the summer window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
