Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will bid Chelsea farewell and embark on a new footballing adventure in France.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aubameyang has agreed to join Olympique Marseille and the deal will not involve any transfer fee between the two clubs.
The 34-year-old will sign a three-year contract with Marseille. The Gabonese striker will join the club’s pre-season training camp in Germany tonight.
Aubameyang will undergo thorough medical tests on Thursday before being unveiled as Marseille’s newest signing.
New Marseille boss Marcelino reportedly pushed for the signing and will rely on the centre-forward to lead the line.
Aubameyang’s time at Chelsea has been far from smooth sailing, with the former Arsenal attacker failing to live up to expectations.
The club had signed him for Thomas Tuchel but dismissed the German manager a few months later. Aubameyang subsequently struggled to impress.
Chelsea’s poor form across the season did not help his situation, as they barely created any chances for him.
He bagged three goals and one assist in 21 appearances following his £10 million move from Barcelona. The Catalans wanted to take him back in January, but Chelsea refused.
Aubameyang is now ready to embrace a fresh start and reignite his career with a club that believes in his talents.
The allure of Marseille proved irresistible to Aubameyang, despite interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Saudi Arabian clubs.
Returning to France marks a special moment for the striker, as he last played in Ligue 1 for Saint-Etienne in 2013.
Aubameyang will replace Alexis Sanchez, who left Marseille this summer. Sanchez’s contract has expired and he is a free agent.