Chelsea and Barcelona are in ‘very advanced’ negotiations for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with optimism that a deal will be done in the coming hours, according to reports in Spain.
The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge to reunite with former boss Thomas Tuchel.
The pair shared a positive relationship during their time together at Borussia Dortmund before the Gabon international joined Arsenal.
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Leaving the Gunners in January, Aubameyang has impressed for Barcelona. However, the arrival of Robert Lewandowski will see the attacker’s game time limited, so he could move to Stamford Bridge.
Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United, Tuchel admitted he is still looking to add to his squad.
He said: "I don't know. We need to wait. The transfer period is still open.
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“It gets later and later, and we need to focus on what we have and what we can do. We can obviously play at a high level, but we lost track when there was no need. We were not forced to lose track.
“Everything was going well. We can win with this team in Leeds, everything was going well, and we had goalscoring opportunities. It went the other way, and I think it was more our fault than anyone else's credit."
It looks like the German could get his man this summer, if the latest reports are to be believed.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Chelsea and Barcelona are in advanced negotiations.
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The transfer fee will be close to €22 million upfront, with an additional €5 million in add-ons.
This equals a fee of £18.6 million, with £4.2 million in additional fees for the Blues.
There is said to be optimism that a deal can be closed within the ‘next few hours’, as Chelsea close in on the forward.
This will come as a boost to Tuchel, with none of his frontline scoring yet this season.
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The Blues have won one match, drawn another and lost their latest clash against Leeds United, with Kai Havertz looking underwhelming in attack.
Aubameyang will provide much needed competition as the 33-year-old arrives with plenty of experience, including a season where he was the top scorer in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen as to whether Tuchel will add further to his squad, but as of now Aubameyang appears to be the priority as Chelsea push on in the transfer window.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms