Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United linked with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the chase to sign St Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The forward – who has 16 goals in 28 games this season – has impressed for Christophe Galtier’s side and has been instrumental in firing the 10-time Ligue 1 champions into a European spot.

Ligue 1 players were the flavour of the month in the January transfer window, with Newcastle United making five signings from France’s Premier League equivalent, including Toulouse’s Moussa Sissoko and Mathieu Debuchy from Lille, and the Magpies are now vying for Aubameyang’s signature, with owner Mike Ashley reportedly in the crowd at the St Etienne/PSG game at the weekend.

The 23-year-old Gabon-born striker failed to make the grade at AC Milan, but he has shown this season that he has the mettle and attributes to be a success at the top level.

His form for St Etienne has drawn attention from the league’s current leaders, PSG. Aubameyang’s hero is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and with the Swede plying his trade at the Parisian giants, the young forward could be swayed to link up with his hero in the capital, but a move to the Premier League is thought to be more likely.

As well as possessing flair, swagger and hairstyle similar to Brazilian superstar Neymar, Aubameyang oozes determination. Motivated by his AC Milan release and rejection, Aubameyang has stated he aims to “prove I am a real striker”.

He has already gone some-way to proving that.

The reality is that Aubameyang is likely to leave St Etienne at the end of the season, it is just a question of where.

Despite his spindly frame, Aubameyang’s pace and finishing prowess should see him be a success in the Premier League, but which of Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle would the Gabon international be best suited to?

Starting with the Tynesiders, Aubameyang would certainly feel at home as he would accompany nine French players in the squad, and potential strike partner Papiss Demba Cisse, who being of Senegalese descent, is French speaking.

If Aubameyang was to join Newcastle, he would add much needed flair and creativity, something which in Hatem Ben Arfa’s extended absence this season, Newcastle lack.

He would be a major coup for manager Alan Pardew, but the Europa League quarter finalists face stiff competition if they are to acquire the young starlet’s services.

Chelsea are another team reportedly interested. With Chelsea currently shrouded in uncertainty on and off the field, Aubameyang may favour a move elsewhere, as the next move in his career is arguably the most important. With the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Victor Moses, Demba Ba and even the struggling Fernando Torres, Aubameyang could find it a struggle to get into the first team and moving to Chelsea would be a gamble.

Chelsea’s London rivals, Arsenal, could be a better move for the St Etienne man. Aubameyang will have seen former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud gain plenty of match time in his first season at the club and with Frenchman Arsene Wenger in charge at the Emirates, Aubameyang could see moving to Arsenal as a good opportunity to harness his blossoming talent.

Most Likely Destination: Aubameyang needs to be starting games regularly and Newcastle would provide him with that. With playing time at Chelsea and Arsenal likely to be limited, a move to Newcastle would be ideal for Aubameyang. He is a talented player with alot to offer and he would have every chance of being a success in the Premier League.

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• http://www.facebook.com/john.patrickson.10 John Patrickson

  get this lad in he is unreal. get him in early july before man city Chelsea Liverpool arsenal get him. this lad on 1 side with ben arfa on the other side with cisse in the middle is mouth watering. then we still have grufoun as backup. mike I hope your listening. thisguy is Newcastle fans number 1 target get him signed up

• multi0312

  Sign him Newcastle