Chelsea, Spurs, Man Utd & Newcastle target admits speculation has affected him

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, St Etienne. Photo: Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport

Tuesday, February 26, 2013
12:58 PM

Saint-Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League has been impossible to ignore.

The 23-year-old former AC Milan star has been in superb form for the Ligue 1 side this campaign, scoring 14 goals in 25 appearances.

His impressive showings across the channel have not gone unnoticed in England, and Chelsea, Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle were all linked with January moves for the Gabon international.

Aubameyang admits the transfer talk weighed on his mind but he is relieved to be able to concentrate on playing again after the closure of the January window.

“It’s something that plays on your mind without you even realising,” he told beIN Sport with regards to the speculation surrounding his future.

“But the holidays are over now; they did me good, and now the transfer window is shut and we are getting good results again.”

Saint-Etienne are currently fifth in Ligue 1 and while they could struggle to keep hold of Aubameyang in the summer, coach Christophe Galtier hopes that qualifying for the Champions League could change things.

“You never know what will happen in life,” said Galtier.

“If we qualify for Europe that could change things.

“Why not play in the Champions League with Saint-Etienne next season?”