In a significant development, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly on the brink of leaving Chelsea, according to recent reports. The former Arsenal striker, who arrived at the Blues from Barcelona last year in a swap deal involving Marcos Alonso, is said to be in negotiations with several Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund.
French website Sports Zone suggests that Aubameyang is in talks with Al-Nassr, a club known for having Cristiano Ronaldo on their roster, as well as Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal. An agreement appears to be close, with Chelsea keen to offload the 33-year-old forward before the final year of his contract commences.
Aubameyang's stint at Chelsea has been underwhelming, having been brought in to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund manager, Thomas Tuchel. However, Tuchel was dismissed after just one game in charge, leading to limited playing time for the Gabon international under subsequent coaches Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
During his time at Chelsea, Aubameyang scored only one goal in the Premier League and started just five matches in the competition. With an overall tally of 69 goals in the Premier League, the striker is set to leave English football behind, as he seeks a new chapter in the Middle East.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund is making a notable push to attract globally recognized talent this summer, with Karim Benzema recently joining Al-Ittihad and N'Golo Kante rumored to be the next high-profile transfer. Additionally, Riyad Mahrez has been linked with a lucrative move away from Manchester City, while there are even whispers of a potential collaboration between Jose Mourinho and Neymar at Al-Hilal. Kalidou Koulibaly is another player who may end his disappointing spell at Chelsea to pursue opportunities in the Kingdom.