Chelsea have submitted a bid of £15 million plus Marcos Alonso to Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, it has been reported.
The Blues are in the market for a striker, having let both Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku depart this summer.
Netting three goals in their opening two fixtures, none of Chelsea’s front three have scored at the start of the season.
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Armando Broja has featured from the bench, while Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount have not got on the scoresheet ahead of their clash against Leeds.
Speaking on his desire to bring in a forward before the end of the transfer deadline, Tuchel said: “I believe we can compete with this group. To be very honest it is one thing to compete once a week and another 60 times in a year and three times a week.
"For this you need a strong group. It’s simply like this.
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“You need players who challenge for their place, their minutes and push each other to their highest level. It does not come down to only tactics, team spirit but also the challenge and quality of players within the team and depth within the squad.
"That has not changed.
“We are very happy about the performance still but we are still active in the market and know what can be possible. If not, we will make the very best out of it.
“If we are looking, we are looking for high quality and personality that suits our group and club. Nothing has changed.”
It now appears that the Blues have made the first approach for Aubameyang, a player that Tuchel shares a strong relationship with due to their successful time together at Borussia Dortmund.
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According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea have submitted a proposal to Barcelona for the striker.
Tuchel’s side are believed to have offered £15 million, in a deal that would also see Alonso head in the opposite direction.
The wing-back has been a target for Barcelona this summer, missing Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures after requesting to be excluded to conclude the move.
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He is yet to make the transfer to Barcelona, now being offered in a bid for Aubameyang.
Personal terms with Alonso and Barcelona have already been agreed, while these terms between Aubameyang and Chelsea are not thought to be an issue.
It remains to be seen as to whether the bid will be accepted as Fabrizio Romano added to the report.
The Italian journalist stated that a meeting will be held between Barcelona and Aubameyang on Friday evening over his future, and to discuss Chelsea's bid.
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However, the La Liga side are asking for a straight cash deal rather than the inclusion of Alonso as they need money to register Jules Kounde.
Topics: Chelsea, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Thomas Tuchel, Barcelona, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms