Chelsea’s hopes of luring Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Stamford Bridge have been handed a boost after Manchester United cooled their interest, FootballDirectNews.com understands. A source close to Old Trafford told FDN that Holland head coach Louis van Gaal’s appointment as Red Devils boss will see several summer transfer window targets change, particularly those who operate in the final third of the pitch.
The club insider revealed van Gaal’s close working relationship with compatriot Robin van Persie at international level has seen the three-time European Cup winners shift their focus to defence and midfield. Former Arsenal man van Persie could even be handed the captain’s armband next term, following the departure of skipper Nemanja Vidic to Serie A outfit Inter Milan. A Chelsea source confirmed boss Jose Mourinho is almost certain to add at least one striker to his side and Aubameyang is firmly on his radar.
While United have not completely ruled out the acquisition of a forward before the new season gets under way, van Persie’s new status at the club means other areas will be addressed first.
The new boss could, however, be forced into considering his strikeforce options earlier than he originally planned if England hitman Danny Welbeck or pint-sized Mexican outcast Javier Hernandez head for the exit door in the coming weeks.
