Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Rumours
February 14, 2016
Manchester United are reportedly willing to part with a staggering £70 million this summer in order to sign Borussia Dortmund’s star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
That’s according to Rob Draper of the Mail on Sunday, who suggested the 26-year-old is a major target for the Red Devils.
“Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward revealed this week to United shareholders that the club has cash reserves of £121.6 million and indicated there will be 'star signings' in the summer,” wrote Draper.
Aubameyang has blossomed into an outstanding centre-forward this term under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel. Here are some of the best moments from his superb campaign:
Aubameyang is versatile, meaning he can play on either flank or through the middle; it’s the latter spot in which he has excelled this season. He’s also one of the quickest players in world football, making him a nightmare to contain.
In front of goal he’s discovered a composure and a ruthlessness that has enabled Dortmund to cling onto the coattails of an awesome Bayern outfit in the upper echelons of the Bundesliga.
As we can see here courtesy of ESPN FC, the Gabon international has been one of the most prolific players in European football this season:
United could definitely do with some extra spark up front. While Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial have both been performing well as of late, they’re the only two genuine centre-forward options available at the moment. Additionally, aside from the latter, the Red Devils don’t possess players with dynamism comparable to Aubameyang.
Of course, much depends on the style of play employed. Manager Louis van Gaal seems to have shackled the United attackers for much of the season, with players seemingly unwilling—or unable—to take chances in possession or show freedom of movement off the ball. The result has been plenty of uninspiring, stagnant football.
As STATS Football recently revealed, the goals have really dried up for this team as of late:
Aubameyang would surely be tempted by the Premier League and Old Trafford. Although Dortmund play at the highest level, are backed by a huge fanbase and play some thrilling football under Tuchel, United are renowned as one of the biggest clubs in the world. For BVB, the prospect of a £70 million fee is also something that’d surely be appealing.
If the Bundesliga side do decide to sell, there will be plenty of clubs keen on Aubameyang, though, with Arsenal another outfit linked with a move, per Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph.
For United, who seem increasingly unlikely to finish in the top four, that will be a concern when pursuing players such as Aubameyang, who surely won’t want to give up the chance of playing Champions League football. It’s an issue likely to hamper the Red Devils in pursuit of any of the game’s top talents.