Man United Set To Hijack Chelsea’s Move For Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang From Barcelona.

Manchester United are plotting to hijack Chelsea’s move to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona, according to the UK Sun.

Having lost two of their opening Premier League matches this season, new manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his attacking options, amids Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club still lingering.

Despite being linked with a move for Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid, they have also turned their attention to the former Arsenal captain who scored 68 times in 128 league appearances for the Gunners.

United had reportedly considered a move for the 33-year-old when he left the Emirates in January as a free agent but to no avail.

Just seven months later, though, the centre-forward could be on the move again, with Premier League the likely destination due to the club’s economic situation. Barcelona are looking to receive a transfer fee in the region of €25m (£21m) to €28m (23m) for Aubameyang.

The Blaugrana side would have to make at least one high-profile sale to generate some fund, and ensure smooth registration of Jules Kounde with any other potential new signing.

Aubameyang have been linked heavily with an exit, alongside Frenkie de Jong, though Xavi prefers to keep hold of the Gabonese star over de Jong.

Chelsea have also been in talks with Barca over a potential transfer for Aubameyang, with the LaLiga club hoping to sign Marcos Alonso from Chelsea in a part-exchange deal. 

The move to Stamford Bridge would see Aubameyang re-unite with Thomas Tuchel having played under the German during his time at Borussia Dortmund. 

With Chelsea also being able to offer Champions League football, it could be an extra incentive for the forward to choose them over their rivals United who will now face a “big challenge” to convince him to switch to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils ended last season disappointedly, finishing with their worst points tally since the Premier League began in 1992 (58), and miss out of Champions League football.