According to reports, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is “bent” on joining Chelsea, who paid Barcelona €27 million to get him over.
In order to improve the attacking options for manager Thomas Tuchel, Blues owner Todd Boehly has made the former Arsenal striker a priority signing this summer.
Aubameyang was released from the Arsenal squad by Mikel Arteta for a variety of disciplinary issues, and he only joined Barcelona in January. Since then, he has scored 13 goals in 23 appearances.
But Tuchel said last week that he never had any issues with the striker during their time together at Borussia Dortmund, where the Gabon international scored an incredible 79 goals in 95 appearances.
“I really enjoyed working with him; it was a pleasure,” stated Tuchel. I’ve never encountered a problem.
“Some players stick with you because you are so close. One of the players is Auba. Ever before we had even played Arsenal, there was a strong relationship.
The Chelsea manager left open the possibility of signing Aubameyang, and rumours say he is still applying pressure to Boehly to seal the deal.
Additionally, Spanish football journalist Gerard Romero believes that Chelsea has made an initial offer of €27 million (£22.8 million) for the 33-year-old via BarcaTimes.
Although it’s unclear at this time whether that offer has been accepted or refused, Fabrizio Romano asserts that “new direct contacts” would be made on Thursday to negotiate personal terms and circumstances.
Aubemeyang is “focused on Chelsea’s bid as he wants Champions League football,” according to the transfer expert.
That makes reference to a Wednesday rumor of interest from Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag, like Tuchel, is eager to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes, potentially in an effort to get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has expressed his desire to leave Manchester United and is still being linked to an exit from Old Trafford.
Aubameyang isn’t interested, though, as has been the case with the most of the players United has sought this summer.
A plan to collaborate with Ten Hag, according to Romano, was “ruled out days ago,” and in any event, “no negotiations as things are.”
Although Chelsea seems to be unopposed at this point, there are still considerable obstacles to overcome since personal terms have not yet been settled and Barcelona manager Xavi wants to keep the striker.
It’s believed that Barcelona might provide Marcos Alonso, with whom they have been connected all summer, as a carrot to entice the Catalans to part with Aubameyang.
Sources: Hotsport
