Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out with Manchester City over the signing of £40m-rated Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football since his move to the Bundesliga giants in 2013, scoring 94 goals in 155 appearances in all competitions.
Jurgen Klopp knows him well and what he can offer given that he signed him during his time in charge of Dortmund, and it appears as though he’s keen on a a reunion.
According to The Sun, the Liverpool boss is ready to take on Pep Guardiola in the race to sign the £40m-rated Gabon international, with City potentially looking for a replacement for Sergio Aguero this summer.
It’s claimed that the Reds will sell misfit Daniel Sturridge in order to help fund their move, while Klopp will hope that his past with the striker gives him the advantage in any possible talks at the end of the season.
Aubameyang is under contract at Dortmund until 2020 but has previously insisted that he has a desire to play elsewhere, as noted in the report, and it seems as though he may get his wish sooner rather than later.
Guardiola’s need for him depends on Aguero’s future, as the Argentine international has been left on the bench the last two games with new recruit Gabriel Jesus getting the nod.
Naturally, the former Atletico Madrid star will not be content with sitting on the bench, and so if that continues, he may question his future in Manchester.
As for Liverpool, a run of one win in their last 10 games in all competitions has seen their campaign fall apart as they have dropped out of the Premier League title race and have crashed out of both cup competitions.
With Sturridge continuing to struggle with injuries and a lack of form, it would seem the right time to move on and bring in a striker capable of firing in goals on a regular basis.
Aubameyang fits the bill for the both clubs, now it just remains to be seen if he chooses to join either or stay at Dortmund.