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Graham Potter appears to have ended Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s time at Chelsea by breaking an unwritten rule amid the 33-year-uncertain old’s future.
Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City on January 5, 2023 at Stamford Bridge.
Potter deviates from his ‘unwritten role’ to force Aubameyang’s departure from Chelsea in January.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at Chelsea is becoming increasingly uncertain as Graham Potter looks to put his ideas into action. The 33-year-old has struggled to find the net for the Blues this season, scoring just once in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, with only one senior striker available, patience has worn thin, and Aubameyang has fallen out of favor at Stamford Bridge. Following the World Cup, the Gabonese international has yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, with Potter preferring Kai Havertz.
Aubameyang’s only significant minutes in recent weeks have come off the bench in the Blues’ FA Cup tie against Manchester City, where he was introduced within the first five minutes. Even after a lackluster performance, he was replaced in the second half by youngster Omari Hutchinson.
Paul Merson believes that Aubameyang’s time at Chelsea is coming to an end after being substituted, a ‘unwritten rule‘. The former Arsenal midfielder predicted on Sky Sports that the striker would be offloaded in the January transfer window, with Joao Felix on loan.
“I believe Aubameyang will now be released. I believe they will severe ties with him “According to Merson. “I believe the end comes when you’re sub-subbing a 30-something player.
You might be able to get away with it with a younger player, but it’s one of those unwritten rules in football. It’s a no-no. But Potter did it with him at 33, and I believe he’s done. It exemplifies why Chelsea’s recruitment problem is so severe.
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“They’ve brought in a couple of players already, and it appears that they’ll have a go in the transfer window – they have to,” he added. “The top four appear to be a long way away right now, but there is still time.
“However, if you do that January business and Potter leaves a week or two later, another manager will come in and say, ‘Well, I don’t like him, I didn’t want him.'” That’s exactly what happened with Aubameyang.
“Potter didn’t want him, but if he’s fired now and someone else comes in, they’ll say, ‘Well, I don’t want that center-half or that center-half.'” Then it’s as if you’re going in circles again. That is why, in my opinion, Potter needs more time.”
Chelsea is hoping to sign Atletico Madrid star Felix this month, and Aubameyang is already attracting interest. According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish giants are one of several La Liga clubs interested in signing the Blues striker, but any deal would have no bearing on Felix’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Source: Football.London
