Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese striker formerly of Arsenal and currently of Chelsea, appears to be on the brink of a move to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

Reports suggest that Aubameyang is convinced by the project underway at Marseille and is close to agreeing personal terms.

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, previously with Arsenal, is close to signing a deal with Marseille.
• Chelsea is not including Aubameyang in their pre-season tour and wants him to find a new club this summer.
• Aubameyang’s potential move has led to sarcastic comments from some Arsenal fans, branding Marseille as an ‘Arsenal retirement home’.

It’s not every day that a player like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decides to trade in the grandeur of the Premier League for a return to Ligue 1. With stints at Arsenal and Chelsea behind him, Aubameyang seems to be keen on the move.

According to Foot Mercato, the Gabonese international has been convinced by the project Marseille is working on and is nearing a definitive agreement.

His potential move is hot on the heels of Marseille’s active participation in the summer transfer window. The French side recently signed Geoffrey Kondogbia and Renan Lodi from Atlético Madrid and are now eyeing a centre-forward to fill the gap left by the departure of Alexis Sánchez, who wanted to return to Arsenal.

Interestingly, Aubameyang is willing to make a significant financial sacrifice for a return to Ligue 1, a league where his professional career first started gaining momentum during his time at St Étienne.

However, the decision doesn’t appear entirely altruistic. Chelsea has made their stance clear – Aubameyang must find a new club this summer. Notably, he has been excluded from Chelsea’s pre-season tour squad travelling to the United States.

While an agreement on personal terms between Marseille and Aubameyang is close, the club’s primary focus is salary negotiations before broaching the subject of a free transfer.

It’s an intriguing prospect for Aubameyang, who at 34, could be looking at his last significant contract in top-flight football.

His potential move, though, has elicited some humour from Arsenal fans.

Some have quipped about Marseille becoming an ‘Arsenal retirement home’ given the recent influx of ex-Arsenal players, including Alexis Sanchez, Matteo Guendouzi, and Nuno Tavares who is, of course, still under contract with the club.

Despite the ridicule, this transfer might prove to be a masterstroke by Marseille.

The signing of a proven goal scorer like Aubameyang could boost their attacking prowess and provide a much-needed leadership presence on the pitch, given his vast experience.

Whether it proves to be a swansong for the striker or a reinvigoration of his career, only time will tell. Until then, we will wait with bated breath as Aubameyang potentially prepares to don the blue and white stripes of Marseille.