Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set for Marseille return

As Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is about to end his contract with Saudi club Al-Qadisiya, the Gabon striker is set for a second stint with Olympique Marseille.

According to the latest reports, the 36-year-old striker is set to join the Ligue 1 club after terminating his contract with the club from his second year with them.

This follows an inquiry made by Marseille management about the striker’s desire and the possibilities of a return.

Pablo Longoria, who was annoyed about the exit of the former Arsenal striker last summer, it was gathered that Gabonese international was the only member of the squad he wanted to keep at all costs, along with defender Leonardo Balerdi. 

But he had to respect the gentleman’s agreement signed upon his arrival, making him ultimately make his choice.

Aubameyang had preferred the comfort of Saudi Arabia that comes with a nice contract financed by the oil company Aramco, to the continuation of the Olympic adventure.

Meanwhile, his likely return has divided fans. Some see him as a promising option for the club, while others remain sceptical. Some point to his exemplary lifestyle and physical potential, while others point to financial and sporting arguments.

It was also gathered that the club also has the approval of the manager Roberto De Zerbi, and heay return to the club a year after his departure.

He has so far scored 17 goals for Al-Qadisiya,  forming a productive partnership with Colombian forward Julián Quiñones.

As he is about to be released from his contract, Aubameyang is no longer in the club’s plans because they seek a younger profile at centre-forward.

It’s not only Marseille that are monitoring the situation. He is also linked to some clubs in Spain and Turkey, and they have made initial contact.

It is now left for the former Barcelona man to gauge both his mindset and contractual situation.

According to reports, OM president Pablo Longoria and his team already held informal discussions with the striker earlier this week during his visit to Saint-Étienne, where he was accompanying his nephew on trial at ASSE.