Transfer Centre

Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'close to Los Angeles FC transfer'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 February 2023

Chelsea forward Aubameyang 'close to LAFC transfer'

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang move on loan to MLS side Los Angeles FC.

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to move on loan to Los Angeles FC.

When Aubameyang agreed to sign for the Blues in the summer, it was to play under Thomas Tuchel, but the German was removed from his position as head coach a week later.

Although the Gabon international emerged as a regular for Chelsea during the Champions League group stages, he has never fully convinced in the final third since returning to London.

Just three goals have come from 10 starts and seven substitute appearances, and Chelsea proceeded to sign a number of alternatives in January.

As a result, the 33-year-old was replaced in the club's Champions League squad on the same day that he also missed out on selection for the Premier League encounter with Fulham.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during defeat to Arsenal on November 6, 2022. © Reuters

Graham Potter responded by insisting that Aubameyang remains a part of the senior group, even though he dd not attend the subsequent London derby with the Cottagers.

Having already represented two European clubs this campaign, solutions to the situation have been limited, but it appears that a resolution may have been found.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Chelsea have been locked in discussions with their Los Angeles FC counterparts.

A proposal is allegedly on the table where Aubameyang could move to the MLS outfit until July, with Chelsea covering his wages in their entirety.

Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their first goal on October 1, 2022 © Reuters

Should that be the case, LAFC are expected to pay a loan fee, and the decision is now said to be left in the hands of the player.

The California-based outfit are the reigning MLS champions, that success being earned in a penalty-shootout success over Philadelphia Union in November.

Gareth Bale, who netted a dramatic equaliser in the final seconds of extra time, has since left LAFC and retired, effectively freeing up space for a signing of the magnitude of Aubameyang.

The defence of their title gets underway on February 25 when they square off against neighbours Los Angeles Galaxy.