Report: Chelsea targeting Aubameyang as Dembele alternative

Chelsea are readying to make a move for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, sources told James Olley of ESPN.

It's understood Lyon striker Moussa Dembele remains the Blues' preferred target, but Aubameyang's increasingly hazy contract situation at the Emirates has reportedly alerted the west London side to a potential opportunity.

Timo Werner of RB Leipzig is also on the club's shortlist, Olley notes.

Aubameyang, 30, is yet to agree to a new deal with Arsenal. His current contract expires next summer, and Olley reports preliminary talks between the two sides "did not yield anything meaningful."

Having been burned before by players leaving on free transfers - most recently in the case of Aaron Ramsey - Arsenal could be open to selling the Gabonese attacker whenever the transfer window eventually opens; the work stoppage stemming from the coronavirus pandemic has created uncertainty around when clubs can sign players.

Chelsea reportedly view Aubameyang as an affordable option as financial concerns become especially important amid the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 crisis. Lyon would demand around £70 million for Dembele, according to Olley, while Aubameyang's contract status and age mean Arsenal could potentially ask for £40 million to £50 million.

Olley notes the former Borussia Dortmund star would command far higher wages, though, considering he earns nearly £200,000 per week with the Gunners.

Arsenal reportedly remain hopeful they'll be able to agree to fresh terms with their captain, who was second in Premier League scoring when play halted. It's also unclear if they would sanction a sale to a Premier League rival, especially one in direct competition for European places.