Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang planned a shock move to Chelsea in January

Chelsea rang for an impressive move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.

Sportsmail He understands that contact was made on behalf of the Arsenal striker, who will line up against his London rivals in Saturday’s FA Cup final, but that high wage demands saw what would have been a surprising change.

The 31-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of next season, was said to be interested in a move that would no doubt have infuriated the gunners’ supporters.

But experts said a subsequent request for a jaw-dropping salary, which would have comfortably made him the highest-paid player in Chelsea’s history, ended the prospect at the time.

Aubamayeng signed with Borussia Dortmund’s Arsenal for £ 56m in 2018. Since his arrival, only Mohamed Salah has scored more Premier League goals than his 49.

Chelsea coach Frank Lampard is looking for a striker, but the Gabon international would have to curtail his demands to make a deal possible.

Aubameyang has scored 27 goals this season and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be desperate to keep it up, with players like Barcelona and AC Milan hanging around.

Fans fear Wembley may see his final departure for the Gunners, though much will depend on the outcome.

If Arsenal defeats their rivals, they will qualify for the Europa League and the increased revenue it will generate will increase the likelihood that they can tie the striker.