Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has provided an update on Chelsea targets Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Blues have been heavily linked with the pair in recent weeks, with Barcelona’s financial situation giving Thomas Tuchel’s side a boost.
The La Liga side were struggling to register their new additions due to their current situation, but it now appears that this has been resolved.
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With Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku both departing Stamford Bridge this summer, Aubameyang has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
The Gabon international played under Tuchel previously at Borussia Dortmund, with the German now revealing that he still has a strong relationship with his former player.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Tuchel discussed the potential signing of Aubameyang.
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Refusing to comment on the transfer rumours, Tuchel discussed his relationship with the 33-year-old as he said: “I enjoyed a lot working with him, was a pleasure.
“Some players stay your players because you work very very close, Auba is one of these players. 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.
“No (concerns about discipline) because I experienced none of this. This is nothing to do with the situation in Arsenal which I will also not comment out of respect.
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“It’s not on me to comment, I don’t know what happened. In Dortmund there was never an issue.”
De Jong, on the other hand, has not been discussed as a transfer target by the head coach but he is believed to be a fan of the Dutch midfielder, having tried to sign him for PSG in the past.
However, in recent days De Jong’s agents have reiterated his desire to remain at the Camp Nou rather than look for a move elsewhere.
Xavi has now discussed the future of the pair, who could find themselves on the way to Chelsea by the end of the summer window.
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The Spaniard admitted: "The same thing happens with De Jong as with Auba, the market is still open. We don't know what's going to happen."
Xavi continued to expand on the players individually, starting with the forward.
"I'm counting on him,” he continued.
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“Those I don't count on already know that they're not going to play. A lot of things can happen between now and August 31, but I'm delighted with Aubameyang."
Finalising on De Jong’s situation, Xavi concluded: "He’s important for me, he's in the squad and that's it. Until August 31, we'll see because the market is still open and we don't know what's going to happen."
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Xavi, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms