Insider claims Chelsea could afford top 28-year-old but striker doesn’t fit Antonio Conte’s team
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doesn't fit the bill at Chelsea despite the English champions having the funds to sign the Dortmund striker, according to Raphael Honigstein
Chelsea are the only team that could afford to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but the Borussia Dortmund striker doesn’t fit the bill at Stamford Bridge, according to Raphael Honigstein.
The Gabon international is expected to leave the Bundesliga giants in the summer transfer window after Borussia Dortmund confirmed the striker’s desire to seek a new challenge.
However, Aubameyang has failed to secure a big-money switch despite being inked with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.
The 28-year-old has been one of Europe’s most-prolific goal-scorers and the African striker netted more goals than Bayern Munich rival Robert Lewandowski last term.
However, Arsenal have signed Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in a club-record £52m deal, while Manchester United recruited Romelu Lukaku in a £75m deal from Everton.
Bundesliga expert Honigstein doesn’t expect Aubameyang to complete a move to the Premier League despite his proven goal-scoring ability even with Chelsea desperate to sign a striker.
“Chelsea are the only big team in need of a striker,” Honigstein told ESPN FC.
“Of the teams who are trying to buy a centre-forward, they want an out-and-out number nine. They want someone who can lead the line and can hold the ball up.
“Aubameyang is many things but not that. He is not the type of player in demand in the Premier League at the moment.”
Aubameyang scored 31 times in 32 games in Bundesliga last season.
Chelsea have signed Manchester City reserve goalkeeper Willy Caballero and AS Roma defender Antonio Ruddier.
