Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be returning to his former club Saint-Etienne according to latest reports.
Aubameyang has been speaking with his former teammate at Saint-Etienne, Bakary Sako, who has come out to reveal that the talks are mostly about convincing the striker to return to the French club.
The ostracised Arsenal striker is currently at Gabon’s camp to prepare for the African Cup of Nations. As the national team captain, Aubameyang will be expected to lead the line for his country.
His future after the Afcon with Arsenal is uncertain, however, as his current situation doesn’t look to have an end in sight. His reps have started looking for other clubs and now, his former teammate is offering him another way out.
Sako rejoined Saint-Etienne after stints at Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers But is yet to make an appearance for the club. The midfielder played with Aubameyang in his first stint at the French club between 2009 and 2012.
He is now trying to play agent for the club by convincing Aubameyang, who is still one of the world’s elite strikers to return to the club where he first made his name.
It is not easy to leave London, Sako says of Aubameyang’s situation
The Gabonese striker moved to North London in 2018 and became a fan favourite immediately.
He has grown to love the environment, even choosing to stay out of a new-found love for the environment. He was rewarded with a bumper contract which is worth around £350,000 a week.
Sako, who spent some time in London with Crystal Palace over two different stints admitted that London is a hard city to say goodbye to.
“I am trying to attract him,” Sako said in a press conference. “Wouldn’t you like to see Aubameyang back at Saint-Etienne? We all feel the same. I am very serious when I tell him to come, even if it is in a joking tone.
“I don’t know if it is possible, but I hope he will respond favourably. It is difficult because he has been at Arsenal for a long time, it is not easy to leave London.”
Aubameyang has played 128 league games for the Gunners and scored 68 goals for them in the time he’s been at the Emirates. He has 165 total appearances for the Gunners and has scored a total of 92 goals.
Saint-Etienne currently sit at 20th in Ligue 1 and the club could do with Aubameyang’s goal scoring abilities to help them avoid relegation.
Jack Wilshere offered new lease of life as a footballer
Elsewhere, Brazilian outfit Fortaleza has offered former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere a route back into football.
The 29-year-old is currently without a club but has been training with his former side Arsenal to stay match fit in case any club comes calling.
Brazilian media reports claim that Fortaleza has identified the midfielder as one of several high profile signings they want to bring into the club as they prepare for their first ever season in the Copa Libertadores.
