European Leagues

€6m offer: Chelsea forward Aubameyang ‘agrees personal terms with Marseille’

Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly happy to join Marseille this summer.

Last summer, the Gabon international opted to return to the Premier League from Barcelona, the feeling being that he would become a key player for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.

However, after his former Borussia Dortmund boss was sacked a week later, Aubameyang endured a frustrating campaign, contributing just three goals and one assist from 21 outings.

Many of the 34-year-old’s appearances came during the first half of the season, and it has long been known that he has little future at Stamford Bridge.

As a result, Aubameyang has been linked with a number of different clubs, including from the Middle East at a time when clubs in the Saudi Pro League are aggressively attempting to strengthen their squads.

A reunion with Barcelona also appeared to be an option at one stage, yet it now appears that another stint in Ligue 1 is the most likely outcome.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says, on Twitter, that Aubameyang has agreed personal terms with Marseille ahead of a potential switch to the Stade Velodrome.

Aubameyang is allegedly prepared to sign a three-year contract with the French giants, who finished in third position in Ligue 1 during 2022-23.

Despite challenging for the title at one stage, Marseille only had one player – Alexis Sanchez – who reached double figures in terms of goals in the top flight.

Marcelino Garcia Toral has been appointed as the club’s new head coach and has seemingly prioritised recruiting another option for the final third.

Marseille officials are yet to successfully negotiate a fee with their Chelsea counterparts, with journalist Marc Mechenoua reporting that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are demanding in the region of €6m (£5.15m).

Nevertheless, Romano indicates that discussions are ‘not expected to be complicated’, Chelsea having a need to get Aubameyang off their wage bill as soon as possible.

With Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad travelling to the United States this week, the West Londoners are also keen to part ways with other unwanted players such as Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Liverpool seal first place in Champions League despite PSV defeat in five-goal thriller

A much-changed Liverpool side secured the top spot in the Champions League group phase despite a dramatic 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven, ending their perfect winning streak.

The Reds, who had won their previous seven matches, led twice in the Netherlands but conceded two late first-half goals. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta ensured Liverpool finished top with 21 points, two clear of their closest rivals.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring from the penalty spot against his former club after Joey Veerman fouled Federico Chiesa. Johan Bakayoko equalized with a brilliant turn and finish, but Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead after a parried Chiesa attempt.

PSV responded with goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi, handing Liverpool their first European defeat of the season.

Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when substitute Amara Nallo received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a foul on Bakayoko.

With their place in the last 16 already secured, Liverpool manager Arne Slot rested key players ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

PSV, now guaranteed a play-off spot, celebrated a significant win, while Liverpool await the draw for their round of 16 opponents.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

AC Milan fall to Dinamo Zagreb, to face Champions League play-off round

AC Milan missed the chance to secure an automatic spot in the Champions League last-16 after a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, who also failed to advance to the knockout stage despite the victory.

Dinamo struck first when Martin Baturina capitalized on a loose touch from Matteo Gabbia, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Already assured of a next-round spot but aiming for a top-eight finish, Milan’s hopes dimmed when Yunus Musah received a second yellow card for pulling back Luka Stojkovic.

Dinamo squandered chances to extend their lead, with Sandro Kulenovic missing a golden opportunity before halftime. Stojkovic appeared to score early in the second half, but a handball in the build-up nullified the goal.

Milan responded swiftly, with Christian Pulisic’s low strike slipping past Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic to equalize.

However, Dinamo regained the lead on the hour mark through Marko Pjaca’s precise finish from a tight angle. Milan’s hopes of a comeback faded when a potential penalty was overturned due to a foul by Rafael Leao.

Dinamo’s win fell short of securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance, while AC Milan will now contend with a play-off tie.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Barcelona miss Champions League top spot as they settle for draw against Atalanta

Barcelona missed the opportunity to finish top of the Champions League league phase after a 2-2 draw with Atalanta, who dropped into the play-off round.

With Liverpool suffering a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona only needed a victory to secure the top position.

After a scoreless first half, Lamine Yamal put Barca ahead two minutes after the break, converting Raphinha’s cross. Atalanta responded with a brilliant strike from Ederson to level the match.

Ronald Araujo’s diving header restored Barcelona’s lead in the 72nd minute, but Mario Pasalic equalized for Atalanta by slotting the ball past Wojciech Szczesny.

The draw, coupled with wins for Lille and Aston Villa, dropped Atalanta from seventh to ninth, sending them to the play-offs where they will face either Sporting or Club Brugge.

Barcelona, meanwhile, bypass the play-offs and advance directly to the last 16. The play-off draw is set for January 31 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.