Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wanted to join Chelsea in January, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says contact was made on behalf of the Arsenal striker - who is set to line up against their London rivals in Saturday's FA Cup final - but that high wage demands saw off what would have been a shock switch.

The 31-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of next season, was said to be keen on a move that would no-doubt have infuriated Gunners' supporters.

But insiders said that a subsequent request for a staggering salary - which would have made him comfortably the highest-paid player in Chelsea's history - put an end to the prospect at the time.

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

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is currently looking for a striker, but the Gabon international would have to lower his demands to make the prospect of a deal a reality.