PSG planning swoop for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next summer

Paris Saint-Germain have identified Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as one of the top targets for the summer of 2023.

As has been reported by Foot Mercato, PSG have already initiated contact with the Gabonese striker’s entourage to discuss a potential transfer next summer.

The Gabonese striker moved to Barcelona on a free transfer from Arsenal at the start of this year. He enjoyed a great goal-scoring run during the second half of the last season, helping Barca finish second in La Liga.

However, the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer saw Aubameyang return to the Premier League, joining Chelsea in a deal worth around €12 million.

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Blues, but he faces an uncertain future due to the speculated arrival of Christopher Nkunku next summer and the continued links with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.

PSG failed to strengthen the centre-forward position in the summer following the departure of Mauro Icardi to Galatasaray on loan, and they only signed 20-year-old Hugo Ekitike from Reims.

They were in talks to sign Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo, but the Italian striker eventually moved to West Ham United.

Les Parisiens’ sporting advisor Luis Campos remains keen on bringing in a top-class No.9 next summer, adding Aubameyang as one of the potential targets.

If a move were to materialise, it would mark Aubameyang’s return to his birth country after nearly a decade, with his last spell in Ligue 1 coming with St-Etienne.

Before that, PSG’s priority turns out to be sorting out the future of Lionel Messi, who is in the final year of his contract.

Les Parisiens want to extend his stay, but they will have to fend off Barcelona, who are also working on his return.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is focused on PSG and the World Cup in November for the time being.