Al-Ettifaq eyeing Chelsea star following blockbuster managerial appointment

Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard is keen to sign Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq are plotting a summer move for Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson after they appointed Steven Gerrard as their new head coach.

As per the Daily Mail, The Liverpool legend has signed a two-year contract despite earlier ruling out speculation about becoming their new manager. Following a torrid spell at Aston Villa, Gerrard is now keen to rebuild his image as a tactician.

He is contemplating a move for Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is under contract on Merseyside until 2025. Meanwhile Chelsea’s outcast Aubameyang is another possible candidate on Al-Ettifaq’s radar.

The Gabonese striker endured a turbulent period at Chelsea following his move from Barcelona to Chelsea and might leave the club in the summer transfer window. He could follow in the wake of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy to move to the middle east.

Chelsea have done a decent job of selling players and cutting down their bloated squad. Hopefully, they will now look to reinforce particular areas for next season. Despite not having a reliable goal scorer, Aubameyang has shown little to suggest he can make a difference at Stamford Bridge.

The former Arsenal striker’s exit will greatly benefit Chelsea as it frees up unneeded money from their payroll. Although the 33-year-old has not yet indicated that he plans to sign with any Saudi clubs, there is belief that his time in west London is drawing to a close.

Hopefully, Aubameyang might come to terms with the fact that his best years are behind him an is better off earning a final payday in Saudi Arabia. The move could be a win-win for all parties involved in the transfer.

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Henderson is following the same path; Liverpool are revamping their midfield, and the captain may have less of a presence next season as Jurgen Klopp could place more emphasis on new acquisitions. However, the midfielder has not shown signals of wanting to leave the team. Gerrard is certainly looking at experienced players nd could very well enjoy better success in his pursuit of Aubameyang.