Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes transfer U-turn

Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has completed a return to former club Olympique Marseille, just 12 months after leaving the side.

The striker completed a free transfer to the French club after terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah earlier this month. The 36-year-old has signed a two-year deal.

It will be his second spell with the Ligue 1 club, having scored 30 goals in 51 appearances in his first spell. Last season, he scored 21 times in 36 appearances in all competitions for Al Quadsiah.

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Aubameyang spent time at both Arsenal and Chelsea in two separate spells in the Premier League. He joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for the club before moving to Barcelona in January 2022.

Just six months later, he was back in England with Chelsea. In his one season at Stamford Bridge he scored just three times in 21 appearances before joining Marseille on a free transfer the following summer.

In a press release on Thursday, Marseille confirmed the return of the former striker. Olympique de Marseille is proud to announce the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” the statement read. “The Gabonese international striker signed with OM this afternoon.”

The return to Europe will see Aubameyang play in the Champions League again in the upcoming season. Marseille, managed by former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, finished in second place in Ligue 1 last season, behind Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.