Marseille are reportedly preparing to make a formal approach for Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon international has spent just one campaign at Stamford Bridge, quickly falling down the pecking order under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
Although one year is remaining on his contract, it has been widely reported that the 34-year-old is free to find a new club.
Nevertheless, given the size of Aubameyang's wages at the Premier League club, a quick transfer elsewhere has failed to materialise, something which will have come as a frustration to Chelsea officials.
As it stands, Aubameyang is due back at Chelsea next week, but he will not come under consideration for the club's trip to the United States.
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That theoretically leaves the striker in a position where he can explore a move to another club, with clubs in Saudi Arabia having already been credited with an interest in his signature.
Aubameyang's preference is reportedly a return to Barcelona, something which become more realistic if Chelsea do not demand a transfer fee and the Catalan giants part ways with other players.
However, according to Relevo, Marseille have catapulted themselves to the front of the queue for Aubameyang.
The Ligue 1 outfit are said to be ready to negotiate a deal with both Chelsea and the player, with the final decision likely to be left up to the latter.
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Marcelino Garcia Toral has just been appointed as the club's new head coach and wants to stamp his own mark on the first-team squad.
Aside from Alexis Sanchez, no other player netted more than six times in the top flight during 2022-23, with the January arrival of Vitinha yet to work out as hoped.
Having shelled out €32m for the Braga frontman, Marseille are effectively left to look at cheaper options, Aubameyang falling into that bracket due to his status at Chelsea.
Aubameyang is no stranger to French football having represented Dijon, Lille, Monaco and Saint-Etienne during the early stages of his professional career.
Darren Plant
