Your Chelsea morning transfer round-up on Monday, August 22.
Chelsea urged to complete Aubameyang deal by former midfielder and assistant manager
Chelsea have been urged to complete a deal for Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang by former midfielder and assistant manager Jody Morris, with the Blues continuing to struggle in the final third.
The likes of club-record signing Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have been moved on in an attempt to refresh forward areas. Despite Raheem Sterling joining from Manchester City, the lack of a natural centre-forward option remains a potential issue for Thomas Tuchel.
READ MORE: What Thomas Tuchel did to show Chelsea need transfers as Leeds United premonition comes true
Morris believes that Chelsea "have got to look for a striker" and that Aubameyang would improve his former side. He claimed: "You'd have to say he'd improve the team at the moment because he's (Aubameyang) a renowned goal scorer. I think he would function more as a No.9."
Tuchel provides transfer update following Leeds defeat
Chelsea's lacklustre display in their 3-0 defeat against Leeds United suggests that the Blues require reinforcements, with only three immediate first-team signings made so far.
More additions appear to be on the cards, as reports state that Thomas Tuchel is eyeing further reinforcements before the market closes. One of those linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, who wasn't involved in the Foxes' 2-1 loss to Southampton at the weekend.
When pressed upon further backline transfers following the loss of Kalidou Koulibaly with a red card, Tuchel told reporters after the defeat to Leeds: "I don't know. We need to wait. The transfer period is still open. It gets later and later, and we need to focus on what we have and what we can do.
Blues will need to spend £40 million on 'Didier Drogba heir'
Chelsea will have to spend £40 million to secure the signing of Ivan Toney from Brentford. Thomas Tuchel is in the market for a striker this summer as he looks to bolster his forward line following the exits of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
According to the Mirror, the Blues are weighing up a bid for the striker, and the Bees are bracing themselves for offers from Manchester United and Everton too. The 26-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Brentford in recent times, with Arsenal once said to have been leading the race.
Toney has been compared to Drogba in the past by his teammates at Brentford. Speaking in 2021, as quoted by the Mirror, teammate Christian Norgaard said: "I think Bryan and Ivan did a fantastic job, and they are linking up very well at the moment.
"I heard someone in the changing room comparing Ivan with Didier Drogba. I think he looked a bit like him, actually - the way he kept the ball, his first touch and his passes. He won every single header, and he is a right player."
Tuchel handed transfer boost
Chelsea have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the striker reportedly ready to leave Barcelona. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his strike force.
The Chelsea boss is said to have specifically identified the striker as a priority signing before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. It's also understood that Tuchel is eager to reunite with the Gabon international, who prospered under the German's stewardship at Borussia Dortmund.
At one stage, it remained to be seen whether Aubameyang was in favour of a move to west London, but Todd Boehly has made a huge breakthrough. According to Sport, he would have 'no problem' with leaving Camp Nou now that the Blues have offered a three-year contract with an increased salary.
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