Roberto De Zerbi greenlights potential Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang return to Marseille | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille are exploring the possibility of bringing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (36) back to the club this summer – with the approval of head coach Roberto De Zerbi, according to L’Équipe.

A year after his departure for Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadisiya, the Gabon international is expected to be released from the final year of his lucrative contract. Despite scoring 17 goals in his debut campaign and forming a productive partnership with Colombian forward Julián Quiñones, Aubameyang is no longer in the club’s plans as they seek a younger profile at centre-forward.

Marseille, alongside clubs in Spain and Turkey, have made initial contact with the former Arsenal and Barcelona man to gauge both his mindset and contractual situation. OM president Pablo Longoria and his team reportedly 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.

Sources close to the club reportedly indicate that De Zerbi has given his approval for the move. The Italian coach is keen to add experienced attacking depth to his squad, with Amine Gouiri currently the primary option up front. The two profiles are considered compatible, and Aubameyang’s familiarity with the club and city are viewed as key advantages.

Aubameyang scored 30 goals in all competitions during the 2023/24 season, having initially struggled to win over the Stade Vélodrome crowd. His late-season resurgence helped re-establish his value in Ligue 1, and he remains in contact with key figures at Marseille.

The financial package will be the central issue in any return, but OM are monitoring the situation closely, in a move reminiscent of the club’s opportunistic signing of Luiz Felipe in January following his release from Al-Ittihad.GFFN | George Boxall