Everton are plotting an out-of-window move for Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Champions League axe
The Toffees failed to sign a single player in January so they are now only able to target the free agent market, and it appears that they might be considering an approach for the 33-year-old.
The Gabon international made his return to the Premier League last year following a brief spell at Barcelona but has fallen out of favour under Graham Potter after surprisingly being axed from Chelsea's 25-man Champions League squad for the knockout rounds.
Reports claim that the forward is ‘shocked and disappointed’ by the decision, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting that Aubameyang will be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The Latest: Everton ‘eyeing’ Aubameyang
According to Football Insider, Everton are ‘eyeing’ an out-of-window deal for Aubameyang, with the Goodison Park club ‘keen’ to bring in an attacker on a free transfer.
Chelsea ‘could look to terminate’ the veteran’s contract early, and he has now ‘emerged’ onto the Merseysiders’ radar as a result.
However, the Blues would have to pay off the final 17 months of his deal to make him a free agent and therefore able to find a new club outside of the two yearly transfer windows.
The Verdict: Potential massive coup
Aubameyang already has an abundance of experience in England, having made 139 top-flight appearances, and it would be a massive coup if Sean Dyche could convince him to join Everton.
The Nike-sponsored star clocked up 113 goal contributions in 163 appearances during his time at Arsenal and would bring leadership qualities to the Toffees, having previously been captain of the Gunners.
The Gabon striker has also been hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by his former manager Mikel Arteta despite the pair eventually falling out, and he would almost certainly be able to make a positive impact in the final third at Goodison Park.
His goalscoring abilities would be greatly appreciated in a team with the joint-second fewest goals of anyone in the Premier League at this stage of the season (16 in 21 games).