Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set for meetings with Barcelona regarding his future as the Blues look to alternative targets, it has been reported.
The 32-year-old could make a sensational return to the Premier League after departing Arsenal last season following disciplinary issues.
Chelsea were initially linked with a move for the forward earlier in the week, with discussions having taken place about the Gabon international.
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Barcelona are keen to get players of their wages in order to register new signings this summer, with Frenkie de Jong also linked with a move to Chelsea.
Speaking ahead of the opening game of the Premier League season last weekend, Tuchel opened up on Chelsea’s interest in Aubameyang but refused to comment further on any move.
He said: “I would be interested in the 79 goals (he scored under Tuchel previously), actually!
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“We will not comment further.
“There are a lot of names out there, sometimes due to the fact we discuss a lot of names but also sometimes pure speculation. We will not get involved.”
Chelsea have since seen Timo Werner depart the club, with the German completing a return to RB Leipzig on a permanent basis after struggling for game time last season.
With Romelu Lukaku departing before him, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will replace either of the forwards during this window.
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It has now been revealed that target Aubameyang is set for meetings with Barcelona as Chelsea could look to reunite the former Borussia Dortmund player with Tuchel.
As reported by Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, the Blues are continuing to weigh up a move for Aubameyang.
The forward’s representatives are now meeting with Barcelona amid the interest from Chelsea.
The report continues to state that Aubameyang was offered to the club last week alongside De Jong and Memphis Depay, although the former is now in advanced talks with Juventus.
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It remains to be seen as to whether Barcelona will be willing to let both Aubameyang and Depay leave this summer, with Robert Lewandowski the only other traditional number nine at the club.
Kinsella finalises by stating that if Chelsea are not able to sign the former Arsenal captain this summer, they could turn to alternative targets.
Several forwards are said to be unhappy at Stamford Bridge, with Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi looking to depart before the end of the transfer window.
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Therefore, the Blues will likely look to bring in further reinforcements, whether this is Aubameyang or other players.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Barcelona, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms