Chelsea have a chance to solve their wage bill issues and press ahead with a move for Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte. Galatasaray have made contact with the Blues over a potential deal to sign flop signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabonese striker has endured a dismal debut season at Stamford Bridge after he was brought back to the Premier League by Thomas Tuchel last summer. Aubameyang fell down the pecking order at Chelsea following Tuchel's dismissal and looks set to be moved on ahead of next season.
Pochettino has identified Ugarte as a priority signing with the Blues currently in talks with Sporting over a £52million deal to sign the 22-year-old midfielder. Todd Boehly has offered a wage package much lower than Paris Saint-Germain are offering Ugarte - however, the American may be willing to improve his offer if Aubameyang leaves Chelsea and frees up more space on the wage bill.
READ MORE: Chelsea star gives £17.2m transfer green light as Mauricio Pochettino faces Manuel Ugarte issue
According to Turkish journalist Ertan Süzgün, Galatasaray have initiated discussions with the Blues and want to sign the 33-year-old. Aubameyang's current deal is set to expire at the end of next season but his future is in doubt after a poor debut season - scoring just three goals in 22 appearances.
The Gabon international had previously been tipped for a move to the MLS or return to Barcelona this summer. Aubameyang could be set to follow Chelsea legend Didier Drogba's career path after the Ivorian striker moved to the Turkish outfit back in 2013.
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