Chelsea are interested in signing former Arsenal striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang this summer but now face competition from Manchester United for the Barcelona star's transfer.
Aubameyang is being linked with a move away from the Catalan giants just months after joining the club following his departure from the Gunners in January. Thomas Tuchel is keen to further bolster his squad before the transfer deadline with the attack being a key area to strengthen, football.london understands.
The 33-year-old worked with Tuchel during their time together at Borussia Dortmund and the Blues' boss is thought to be the driving factor behind Chelsea's interest in the Barca striker. The La Liga club are said to be willing to part ways with one of either Aubameyang or Memphis Depay this summer, with the latter linked with a move to Juventus meaning the Blues will need to act swiftly to secure a deal for the Gabon international, but now face a battle with Premier League rivals United for his signature.
READ MORE: Gary Neville's Chelsea hypocrisy exposes how Todd Boehly is leaving Manchester United behind
Chelsea are facing a busy final few weeks in the transfer window with deals for Wesley Fofana, Frenkie de Jong, Cesare Casadei and Anthony Gordon all being pursued by the west London outfit. Aubameyang remains a key target for Tuchel this summer but the Blues face tricky task in securing a deal for the former Arsenal star.
United considered making a move for the 33-year-old striker in January before he joined Barcelona. With uncertainty around Cristiano Ronaldo's future continuing to cloud the Reds' poor start to the season, a deal for Aubameyang is being considered at Old Trafford according to The Sun.
Barcelona's financial situation leaves them needing to sell on a number of players on big wages in order to register their new signings, despite the contrasting comments coming out of the Camp Nou from manager Xavi Hernandes and president Joan Laporta. United and Chelsea are currently pursuing a deal for De Jong but now look to set to fight it out for Aubameyang's signature as well with both clubs keen on striking a deal for the 33-year-old who scored 92 goals in 163 games for the Gunners.
The Gabon international registered 96 goal contributions in 95 appearances under Tuchel's guidance and a potential reunion at Stamford Bridge could be exactly what the Blues need to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title. Chelsea have shown in the summer transfer window that they aren't afraid to add older players with experience to their squad after the acquisition of Kalidou Koulibaly with co-owner Todd Boehly clearly supporting Tuchel's transfer demands.
Should the west Londoners miss out on a deal for Aubameyang at the hands of United, it could result in Chelsea reigniting their interest in signing Ronaldo who remains set on leaving Old Trafford. According to The Athletic, Ten Hag is now open to letting the five-time Ballon d'Or winner leave after initially wanting to keep the 37-year-old at the club, which could see the Blues make a move for the Portuguese superstar after his agent Jorge Mendes held talks with Boehly last month.
READ NEXT:
Ex-Premier League referee blasts Anthony Taylor and Mike Dean decision in fiery Chelsea match
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Chelsea transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
What Thomas Tuchel did to make five Chelsea transfer decisions clear following Tottenham draw
