PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is wanted by Real Madrid in a summer transfer with his Arsenal career set to come to an end.
And if he does make the switch to Los Blancos, he would come good on a promise he made to his grandfather before he died.
Speaking in 2016, the striker – then with Borussia Dortmund – revealed the vow he made and that his signature acrobatic celebration was copied from a Bernabeu legend.
Aubameyang, now 30, said: “Before he died two years ago I promised him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.
“My grandfather was from Avila, not far from Madrid. It’s what I said to him.
“I know it’s not easy but it’s something I keep in mind.
“I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sanchez.
“I’ve seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy.”
Mexican Sanchez scored an impressive 208 goals in 283 games and won five LaLiga titles between 1985 and 1992.
Aubameyang left Dortmund but joined Arsenal in January 2018, scoring 49 Premier League goals in 75 appearances, including 17 this term.
His contract expires in 2021 and the Gunners are desperate not to lose another valuable asset for free following Aaron Ramsey’s departure to Juventus.
A £30million offer is expected to be enough to convince the Emirates club to sell.
But reports suggest that Zinedine Zidane wants to land Auba.
However, it is thought Real Madrid want a deal arranged by June 15 or they will look elsewhere for a new striker.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with moves for the Gabon international.
But there is also interest from Real Madrid’s rivals Barcelona, who were tempted by a move in January.
Aubameyang hinted he would be willing to join another Spanish side, giving Barca a boost.
He added: “To play for Madrid or for another great club in LaLiga would be a nice gift to my mother, Margarita, who is Spanish.”
But mum Margarita Crespo added later in 2016 that her family are Mad about Real – and not the Nou Camp club.
She said: “He promised his grandfather that he would play for Real Madrid and since he was a little boy he spoke about Madrid and never about Barcelona.
“My family have always been Real Madrid and I would like to see him in white.
“A move to Madrid would be lovely but at the moment he is doing well at Dortmund and we will have to see what happens.”
