Aubameyang Marseille Move Looms Amid Greenwood Link
Aubameyang Marseille rumours have intensified this week after reports in France revealed that Olympique de Marseille are negotiating a summer deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, potentially pairing him with on-loan forward Mason Greenwood in a revamped attack under new coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Aubameyang Marseille interest gathers pace
Aubameyang’s one-season adventure with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah appears to be ending earlier than planned. Sources close to the player say he has activated a release clause that will allow him to leave as a free agent once the domestic campaign concludes. Marseille, who narrowly missed out on European qualification, want a proven finisher and view the 36-year-old Gabonese star as a low-risk, high-reward signing despite his age.
Financial hurdles and wage expectations
Although Aubameyang Marseille chatter is growing, the club’s hierarchy still needs to overcome the striker’s sizeable wage demands. The former Arsenal captain currently earns close to €10 million per season in Saudi Arabia. Marseille president Pablo Longoria is unwilling to break the wage structure, but creative solutions—such as a heavily performance-related contract and an image-rights package—have been proposed. Talks with the player’s representatives are ongoing, and both sides remain optimistic.
De Zerbi’s green light
Roberto De Zerbi, newly appointed at the Stade Vélodrome, has already studied Aubameyang’s analytics data from his time at Chelsea, Barcelona and, most recently, in Saudi Arabia. According to internal scouting reports, the striker still demonstrates elite off-the-ball movement and a top-tier sprint speed in short bursts. De Zerbi believes those qualities would complement the dribbling prowess of Mason Greenwood, whom Marseille hope to keep for a second season if Manchester United sanction another loan.
How Aubameyang could fit alongside Greenwood
Aubameyang Marseille scouts see the veteran as a central striker who can stretch backlines, leaving inside-channel space for Greenwood to cut in from the right on his favoured left foot. De Zerbi’s preferred 4-2-3-1 shape would feature Aubameyang spearheading the press, with Greenwood and Ismaïla Sarr flanking the No.10—likely Amine Harit. The coach also values Aubameyang’s leadership, imagining him as a mentor for academy graduate François-Rémy Mughe and other young attackers.
Competition from elsewhere
Marseille are not alone in their pursuit. Turkish giants Fenerbahçe and Saudi side Al-Shabab have both made preliminary enquiries. However, club insiders insist Aubameyang wants one last crack at a major European league, making Ligue 1 his priority. His family still owns property in London and Barcelona, but the Mediterranean climate and the possibility of Europa League football—should OM win their outstanding Conference League play-off—are strong pulls.
Greenwood situation remains fluid
While Aubameyang Marseille negotiations progress, the Greenwood file remains delicate. Manchester United have yet to decide whether to cash in permanently or sanction another season-long loan. The English forward enjoyed life in Provence, scoring 10 league goals and registering five assists. United’s £40 million valuation is beyond Marseille’s reach, so a renewed loan, possibly with an obligatory purchase clause, is being explored. De Zerbi views Greenwood as a cornerstone of his attacking blueprint, and pairing him with Aubameyang would add variety and experience.
Legacy at Arsenal and motivation to prove a point
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still commands respect in England for his FA Cup-winning exploits with Arsenal, even though his Gunners exit turned sour. Friends close to the striker reveal he is hungry to remind Europe of his qualities after a quiet year in Saudi Arabia. Landing at a club famed for its passionate supporters, he believes, could reignite the fire that once made him one of the Premier League’s deadliest scorers.
What the move means for Marseille’s project
Aubameyang Marseille signing would signal OM’s intent to fast-track their return to Ligue 1’s top three. De Zerbi has been promised at least three marquee arrivals and budget for two more defensive reinforcements. With club finances stabilised after the sale of Vitinha to Genoa and the potential departure of Jordan Veretout, allocating funds for Aubameyang’s salary becomes realistic. Moreover, the striker’s high social-media profile could boost Marseille’s global brand, a growing priority for owner Frank McCourt.
Timeline and next steps
• Early June: Aubameyang’s representatives finalise his release from Al-Qadsiah.
• Mid-June: Marseille present an official two-year contract with an optional third season.
• Late June: Medical examinations at the Commanderie training centre.
• 1 July: Potential unveiling alongside new home kit launch.
Opinion: A calculated gamble worth taking
Signing a 36-year-old forward is not a long-term solution, yet Aubameyang still guarantees pace, movement and Champions League experience—assets OM sorely lacked last season. If the financial package remains sensible and Greenwood stays, Marseille could field one of Ligue 1’s most intriguing front lines. The move would be a calculated gamble, but the upside for both club and player feels too compelling to ignore.
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