MLS franchise Los Angeles FC are reportedly concerned that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will reject their proposed loan bid.
Despite joining Chelsea on a free transfer from Barcelona last summer, Aubameyang already appears to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
One of the factors behind his decision to join the Blues was to reunite with Thomas Tuchel, after previously working with the German at Borussia Dortmund.
Not long after Aubameyang's arrival in West London, Tuchel was sacked and replaced by Graham Potter, who has only started the Gabon international in four Premier League games.
Following a number of January additions, the Chelsea boss has also left the 33-year-old out of the Champions League squad for the knockout stages.
Having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, LAFC were reportedly in discussions over a proposed loan deal until July.
The current MLS Cup holders have identified Aubameyang as a potential replacement for Gareth Bale, who recently retired from professional football.
However, according to the Daily Mail, LAFC are worried that they will be unable to convince Aubameyang to join the club.
The report indicates that having only returned to England last summer, the former Arsenal striker Aubameyang may be reluctant to move to the United States on a short-term loan deal.
Barcelona were considering a return for the striker in January, but they decided against the move due to their financial constraints.
Although there was also interest from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, FIFA rules stipulate that a player cannot play for more than two teams in a single season.
With the MLS campaign yet to begin, he would be free to join LAFC, but it appears he could be set to turn down the move.
Should Aubameyang remain at Stamford Bridge, he will be competing for a place in the starting lineup with the likes of Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Kai Havertz.
The striker is currently under contract until June 2024, and in his 18 appearances for Chelsea, he has registered three goals and one assist. body check tags ::
