Just when you thought this January’s Homerian epic transfer saga had been played out, along comes another – possibly even more complicated – rigmarole.
Last week, Alexis Sanchez finally got his move away from Arsenal, eventually upping sticks to Old Trafford to play for Jose Mourinho after Manchester City distanced themselves from the escalating costs for the forward.
Enter Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his own will-he-won’t-he move from Borussia Dortmund to replace Sanchez at Emirates Stadium.
It seemed he was on his way on Monday, with Olivier Giroud being used as a makeweight in the deal.
However, the Frenchman is dragging his heels over a move to Germany as the transfer window enters its finals hours as he would prefer to stay in London and Chelsea are interested in signing him.
All that could mean – I hope you are taking notes – Dortmund turn to Blues striker Michy Batshuayi, who could depart Stamford Bridge on loan to the Germans, a move the Belgian is interested in - in January. The 24-year-old Belgium international is keen.
So: Aubameyang goes to Arsenal, Giroud head to Chelsea and Batshuayi jets off to Germany.
However, that means Chelsea and Arsenal need to agree a fee for Giroud quick-smart and haggling will ensue as Chelsea look to push the price down.
Dortmund will not let Aubameyang go without a replacement and Chelsea need their own frontman in place to facilitate Batshuayi’s departure.
Fasten your seatbelts as this epic will have a few twists to come.
