Chelsea are not willing to meet Barcelona’s €25 million valuation for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge after Timo Werner completed his return to RB Leipzig.
Romelu Lukaku also departed the Blues earlier this summer, leaving Kai Havertz as the only natural central striker.
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While new signing Raheem Sterling can play in this position, Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he is looking to bring in more attackers to play centrally.
Speaking on the links to Aubameyang, Tuchel admitted: “I think we could use and strengthen our squad in depth and strength in both. It’s one thing what you wish for and another what is possible. It needs to be possible.
“We are looking for top quality, top personalities, good characters and competitors on the highest levels. You don’t always get what you wish for and that’s why we are calm and ambitious at the same time.
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“Quite some days to go until the end of the transfer period. Everything is possible until the end.”
The head coach continued to state that Aubameyang remains his player despite the pair not working together since their time at Borussia Dortmund.
“Some players stay your players because you work very very close, Auba is one of these players,” he continued. “We had a very close relationship.
“Always when we played him here with Arsenal, there was always straight away this close bond. They always stay your players in a way, Auba is one of these guys.”
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Despite the pair being linked with a reunion at Stamford Bridge, the latest reports have revealed that this may be some way off due to Barcelona’s valuation of the forward.
As reported by Spanish news outlet Relevo, Chelsea have not yet made an official proposal for the striker.
They continued to state that Chelsea will not reach the asking price of €25 million for Aubameyang this summer.
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The maximum Chelsea would be willing to pay is half of Barcelona’s valuation, which makes a deal complicated.
The player would be willing to leave to join Chelsea if he is satisfied with the personal terms offered to him.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues will continue in their pursuit of the Gabon international or look for alternative targets this summer.
With weeks left of the transfer window, Tuchel will be hoping to bring in at least one attacker, according to multiple sources.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms