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Transfers
Could Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang become Manchester United’s next superstar signing?
The claim that Manchester United could look to hijack Paris Saint-Germain’s late move for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, despite reports in German outlet suggesting that the Gabon international has already agreed a deal to move to France for £61 million.
The English newspaper claim that Jose Mourinho has held talks with the forward and a five year contract is on the table in an attempt to bring Aubameyang to the Premier League after four prolific years in Germany.
What could Aubameyang bring to Old Trafford?
As he continued his trend of scoring more goals in every season he spent in Germany, his 31 Bundesliga strikes in 32 games last season would be more than welcome in Manchester if the forward could replicate such form in the Premier League.
With pace and power in abundance, it is easy to imagine that it would not take long for Aubameyang to adapt to the Premier League, and Mourinho is bound to have learnt lessons from the adaptation of Henrikh Mkhitaryan last season. A reunion between the two, who combined devastatingly in Dortmund, could be a major threat at the top end of the Premier League.
Captain of Gabon, it would seem that Aubameyang would have no problem with the responsibility of being United’s talisman up-front, having been the main man for both club and country almost from the start of his career. If any player could adapt to the pressure of a packed Old Trafford, Aubameyang could be the man.
Is a move likely?
It does seem probable that the 27-year-old will leave the Westfalenstadion this summer, having repeatedly hinted that he will consider his options over the transfer window. With reports in Germany indicating that talks are at an advanced stage with other clubs, Dortmund are clearly prepared to sell if the price is right.
With Antoine Griezmann a target and Romelu Lukaku to prefer a move elsewhere, that frees up a large chunk of Jose Mourinho’s transfer budget to splash on a striker such as Aubameyang, and there are few better candidates who would be on the market this summer.
However, the opportunity to return to France could tempt the striker. Having spent five years there with FCO Dijon, LOSC Lille, AS Monaco and AS Saint-Etienne, Paris could represent an interesting proposition and the club are bound to be able to match any financial package offered by United.
Verdict – 4/5