Fofana, De Jong, Aubameyang: The latest on Chelsea's transfer pursuit as talks with Barcelona and Leicester continue

Chelsea are prepared to make a formal offer to Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as talks continue between the two clubs, according to reports. 

Thomas Tuchel is on the hunt for new forwards after overseeing the departures of Romelu Lukaku and, most recently, Timo Werner this summer. 

The futures of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech are also uncertain as they push for exits, with Raheem Sterling the only attacking addition so far following his £47.5 million switch from Manchester City. 

There has been interest in other forwards this summer with Tuchel eyeing to bolster his frontline further to add to Sterling, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and others. 

Aubameyang is one of those names with Tuchel a fan of the Gabon international, having also worked with him previously at Borussia Dortmund. 

As reported by Adrian Kajumba and Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Chelsea have begun talks with Barcelona and are poised to make an opening offer for the 33-year-old.

Barcelona’s current financial situation could force them to allow Aubameyang to leave, with Chelsea hoping to take advantage of their current problems, however the forward is not pushing to leave after only arriving in January from Arsenal. 

Before his Emirates departure, Tuchel was full of praise for Aubameyang back in December 2021, saying: “I think he was a very important player for me and we had a very close relationship until today. When we meet it’s still always very, very nice.

“I can only say the best things about Auba as a player and as a person”

Aubameyang may not be the only arrival from Barcelona. Chelsea are keen on signing Frenkie de Jong and are pushing to bring the Manchester United target to the club. 

Erik ten Hag’s side are ready to accept defeat, but it’s now on a fee being agreed and whether or not De Jong is willing and wanting to make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer. 

Another target for Chelsea this summer is Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana. The Foxes are insistent on the France international not being for sale, but Brendan Rodgers’ stance has appeared to soften over recent weeks.

Chelsea have already had two bids turned down and the Daily Mail add that a third bid is now being weighed up by the Blues. 

Rodgers said last week: “There's been an offer to the club, but nowhere near the valuation of our ownership. We didn't even think about it.

“The club know the value of what they have, and any player that leaves here, they will always want the top valuation on that player. That's only natural, but historically, Leicester have done that very well.”

Chelsea are yet to get any of the trio over the line, but more business is expected to be completed before the end of the summer window, it’s now just a case of how many.