Neal Maupay heading back to the Premier League? Marseille striker's former team eyeing return with Ligue 1 side ready to sell as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang knocks him down pecking order

Maupay's situation at Marseille seems irreversible. Not named in the squad for Ligue 1 opener against Rennes last Friday, the 29-year-old striker is clearly no longer part of Marseille's plans. The return of Aubameyang this summer has further reduced his chances of playing time. Marseille are therefore actively seeking a solution, and there is no shortage of options, with interest arriving from Ligue 1, Serie A and, above all, the Premier League, where an unexpected scenario is taking shape.

Despite his unwanted status, Maupay still has a decent market value. In Ligue 1, Lille and Nice have shown interest. In Serie A, Genoa are keeping a close eye on the situation. These options exist but are not a priority for the player, who could return to a league he knows well. According to information reported by Le 10 Sport, England could be where everything happens. Brentford, where Maupay has played in the past, are closely following the situation and are seriously considering bringing back their former striker. No official offer has been made yet, but the London club is said to have stepped up their efforts in recent hours.

Maupay arrived last summer to strengthen Marseille's attack and got off to a strong start last season before falling down the pecking order to Amine Gouiri, who signed for the club in the winter transfer window. The arrivals of Aubameyang and Timothy Weah, the latter joining on loan, have definitively closed the door on a starting spot. De Zerbi confirmed this trend by leaving him out of the squad against Rennes. The message is clear: the club wants to part ways with him before the end of the transfer window. 

Les Phoceens' management is hoping to secure around €5 million (€4m/$6m) to release the former Everton striker. In addition to the transfer fee, his departure would reduce the club's wage bill, as the player has a substantial contract despite his limited role on the pitch. This is an opportunity that the Marseille management is keen to seize quickly.

Additional reporting by Patrick Tchanhoun.