Aubameyang set to stay at Chelsea despite MLS interest as Potter offers transfer verdict

Graham Potter has offered an honest update on the future of Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following reports that he is set to reject a loan move to Los Angeles FC.

The Gabon international was brought in under former boss Thomas Tuchel, who was dismissed just days after securing the striker.

Since Tuchel’s dismissal, Aubameyang has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge as Kai Havertz has been the preferred choice up front.

Last time out, Aubameyang wasn’t included in the Blues‘ squad as they drew to Fulham, with Potter revealing that he was prioritising minutes for January signing David Datro Fofana.

“Whichever decision we made there was always going to be a conversation about it but it was my decision,” said Potter after the draw.

“It was a tough decision absolutely, sometimes you have to make these calls but it’s absolutely nothing bad against him. He’s done nothing wrong at all.”

However, reports out of France claimed that an agreement had been reached between Chelsea and LAFC over a loan move until the summer for Aubameyang.

As it stands, the striker remains a Chelsea player as nothing has been made official yet but it remains to be seen as to whether he is named in the Blues squad against West Ham on Saturday.

Potter has provided an update on the future of Aubameyang ahead of the clash, speaking to the press.

He said: “No, nothing to report (on loan move). He’s been training with us, conducted himself well.”

If Aubameyang departs, it will leave Chelsea with just Havertz and Fofana as fit and recognised number nines under Potter.

Armando Broja is currently recovering from a long-term injury while the likes of Raheem Sterling and January loanee Joao Felix can also play in the role if required.

Chelsea could move for a new number nine in the summer and it is unclear as to what the future holds for Romelu Lukaku, who is struggling for form on loan at Inter Milan.

Christopher Nkunku has also been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer window and could be deployed as a false-9 if he arrives.

However, latest reports believe that Aubameyang would prefer to remain in London rather than move to the MLS.

Matt Law of The Telegraph has stated that the forward would rather fight for his place under Potter than move to LAFC.

Therefore, it remains to be seen as to how important Aubameyang will be for Potter until the end of the season, having already been excluded from the Blues’ Champions League squad.