Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could become the seventh newest recruit of the summer transfer window if the latest rumours are to be believed.
The Blues are in for a short-term stop gap new number 9 striker to get them through to the summer transfer window and former Arsenal man Aubameyang is reportedly Thomas Tuchel's number one target. Kai Havertz has struggled in the early parts of 2022/23 to step up to the mantle left by the already departed Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, so Tuchel will hope that the 33-year-old's presence may level up the Blues' attack.
Aside from a new number 9, the likes of Anthony Gordon, Rafael Leao and Wesley Fofana are the other names hot on the Chelsea agenda. With all of this in mind, football.london rounds up the latest information on Aubameyang's potential move to Chelsea.
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Done deal claim
The Spanish press have jumped early to make some big claims on Aubameyang to Chelsea.
Relevo had gone on to claim that the deal was advanced but since, a couple of other journalists have gone a step further. Toni Juanmarti tweeted: "More than advanced, would say. Almost done deal."
On top of this, Rudy Galetti tweeted to clarify the fee plus add-ons agreement that is being finalised currently between the two clubs.
Barcelona fans have pleaded with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the Camp Nou ahead of a potential move to Chelsea. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel looks to add to his wealth of attacking options.
With a potential move to west London on the cards, supporters have pleaded that the striker doesn't leave. Waiting outside the Barcelona training complex to welcome the players, fans shouted: "Auba don't go."
Rafael Leao link-up
Aubameyang and AC Milan's Leao could form a formidable partnership up top for the whole of 2022/23 if the latest rumours on both fronts are to be believed.
The Portuguese is understood to want a Premier League switch despite his high £130m release clause whilst Barcelona need a quick and early sale of the Gabon international with a £17m Jules Kounde issue pressing.
Talks ongoing
Chelsea are now confident that their £22m offer for Aubameyang will be accepted, football.london understands.
The player will now be the subject of more intense transfer talks between the clubs, with a scheduled meeting set to take place on August 18, as per Fabrizio Romano. He tweeted: "Pierre Aubameyang deal. Meeting in the next hours, scheduled since last Sunday - main focus will be on the personal terms. Lenght of contract and salary will be discussed today with Chelsea.
"Right after, Chelsea will prepare their first official bid to Barcelona."
Manchester United interest
Aubameyang could prove to be the killer of any lasting interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, and would surely end the prospect of him becoming Todd Boehly's statement buy of the summer. As for Manchester United themselves, the Red Devils are believed to have had their own interest in Aubameyang but have so far not made a move or acted on their attraction.
As Romano revealed: "No negotiations between Pierre Aubameyang and Man United as things stand. It was ruled out days ago, Pierre is focused on Chelsea bid as he wants UCL football. New direct contacts on Thursday to discuss personal terms conditions."
Asking price
Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti has reported that the Blues will not pay the £25 million asking price that Barcelona have set for Aubameyang this summer. The Blaugrana were able to sign him for free back in January after his contract with Arsenal was cancelled and it is said that Chelsea are only willing to pay half of the Catalan club's current asking price.
Priority deal
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Aubameyang is one of Chelsea's priorities at this moment in time. Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Chelsea are in direct contact for Pierre Aubameyang and Wesley Fofana as priority deals, but still working on top talents for the future."
Transfer stance
Aubameyang is "unaware" of any plans from Barcelona to sell the striker this summer and expects to stay at the Nou Camp, reports The Times. The former Arsenal captain is said to be wanted by the Blaugrana for next season, despite the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
Key concern
Should Chelsea wish to land Aubameyang this window, their main problem may be convincing Barcelona to let him go once they make an offer. That's because, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Blaugrana are only keen on letting one of him or Memphis Depay leave the club during the window.
The Netherlands international is said to be in talks over a contract termination and move to Juventus, which may cause a problem in the Blues' attempts to land their main target.
Aubameyang interest
Chelsea hold an interest in Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, football.london understands. Manager Thomas Tuchel is keen on a reunion with the Gabon international, having coached him in their time together at Borussia Dortmund, and he views the forward as a key target in the window.
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