Real Madrid are desperate to replace Gareth Bale and have switched their attention to Arsenal top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang.
The season has barely finished on both English and Spanish soils, but the transfer rumour mill is churning faster than ever. The Sun are reporting of a possible Real Madrid interest in bringing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the Santiago Bernabeu in a stunning £74 million transfer.
Gareth Bale has become a big problem for Real Madrid, as the Welsh winger is deemed unwanted at the club. However, with three years to run on a highly lucrative deal, there are only a handful of clubs willing to secure the Welshman’s signature, while most are reluctant even to match his current wages. Even without a viable suitor so far, Madrid are already planning on replacements.
Aubameyang is the latest name linked with the Spanish giants. Before the Gabonese, Liverpool’s top scorer and Senegal International Sadio Mane was also linked with a move, and although a move could be possible, Madrid would have to go through tough negotiations with Liverpool for a player contracted till 2022.
Madrid feels they could negotiate easily with the Gunners and crack a deal for Aubamayeng. The report moots a £74 million fee for a player Arsenal secured from Borussia Dortmund for £56 million 18 months ago, although it is still considered a rumour of sorts.
Aubameyang has been in sensational goalscoring form since joining Arsenal in January 2018. He scored 10 goals last season, while securing the Golden Boot in his first full campaign at Arsenal. The top scorer prize was shared with Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid target Sadio Mane.
Additionally, Aubameyang has long expressed his desire to make a move to Real Madrid, stating its his dream to do so. Zinedine Zidane’s side had the clearest chance to sign him back in January 2018, although they rejected the opportunity, paving the path for Arsenal. However, still only 29 years old, the Gabon striker could have one more shot at fulfilling his dream after a stellar season.
No matter how much the report says it would be easy for Arsenal, the club would not easily sanction a move for their main frontman who has been their shining light in a rather disappointing season. Additionally, rumours of Barcelona’s interest in Alexandre Lacazette are circling, while Atletico Madrid are also interested in the Frenchman to replace Antoine Griezmann.
As for Aubameyang, this could be an opportunity to nail down a place in what could be a new look Madrid side. Additionally, if Arsenal are to miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League, it would make it harder for them to stop their top scorer from leaving. However, with more than two years left on his deal, the ball could be in Arsenal’s court in this dealing.
As they say, in football, anything can happen, so only the summer window could give a better picture of this reported interest from Madrid.
