Aubameyang Saudi sale could have knock-on Arsenal impact | OneFootball

Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah FC have reportedly almost reached an agreement to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which could have a knock-on effect on Eddie Nketiah or Alexis Sanchez.

Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg football match between Olympique de Marseille and Villareal CF at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, souteastern France, on March 7, 2024. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday morning that Saudi side Al-Qadsiah were pushing to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Marseille, with the decision up to the player.

Sebastien Denis then reported for Foot Mercato later in the morning that barring a last-minute turnaround, Aubameyang will indeed leave Marseille on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi reportedly tried in vain to keep Aubameyang, but the former Gunner has made his decision.

Discussions started a few days ago, and the two clubs are now not far from an agreement, which could even be reached within hours.

Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg football match between Olympique de Marseille and Villareal CF at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, souteastern France, on March 7, 2024. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

The sale is likely to have a knock-on effect for a player with Arsenal links, it’s just not entirely clear which one.

On the one hand, Marseille have been linked with a move for Eddie Nketiah, and they could step up that interest in the wake of Aubameyang’s departure.

They’d have a lot more space on their wage bill, as well as the fee from Aubameyang’s sale, so Nketiah could be a realistic signing from a financial standpoint.

Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah aknowledges the supporters at the end of a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Yet it could go another way, with recent reports suggesting Marseille are in talks to re-sign Alexis Sanchez.

Sanchez is a free agent after leaving Inter Milan, and he only left Marseille in the first place because they couldn’t afford both him and Aubameyang on their wage bill. With Aubameyang going, the Chile international’s return seems more credible.

We’ll have to wait and see whether Marseille opt for Nketiah, Sanchez, or perhaps even both. For now, Aubameyang still needs to finalise his transfer exit.