Barcelona have dropped the biggest hint yet that they are to try and rinse Chelsea and Todd Boehly for as much money as they can before agreeing to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer exit, just months after he left Arsenal.
The 33-year-old has re-discovered his mojo in La Liga but Thomas Tuchel's plea for a reunion has caused his striker, who scored 70 plus goals under his guidance at Borussia Dortmund, to reconsider his stance on his immediate future with it being understood that Aubameyang would be more than happy to stay in La Liga. However, with Frenkie de Jong looking immovable at this current moment amid an ongoing contract battle, Barcelona are in desperate need of raising around £17m in order to register new signing Jules Kounde with La Liga.
football.london understands that new owner and interim Sporting Director Boehly is 'very confident' in agreeing to a £22m deal whilst Barca are still holding out for a total package of £26m when add-ons are taken into account. This stance by the side from Catalonia is backed up by the latest reports coming out of the Spanish press. Gerard Romero has reported that 'the transfer deal for Aubameyang could be closed today if Chelsea accepts Barça’s asking price of €25M + variables.'
READ MORE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea transfer: Done deal claim, three-word message, Leao link-up
He also added on his Twitch stream that the 'The sports management are currently meeting with the agents of Aubameyang to complete his departure.'
Despite these positive updates, no deal seems to be as imminent as some think. Barcelona have included the Gabon international in their squad to take on Man City in an early season friendly at the Camp Nou. Kick-off is 8:30 PM (GMT) on Wednesday evening.
It's an opportunity for Xavi and Joan Laporta to look closely at target Bernardo Silva. Whether Aubameyang starts, features or doesn't at all will be telling as the Barca boss would not want to risk injury to a player who could be the key for Kounde becoming eligible for selection ahead of the game week 2 La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.
Chelsea fans - Would £26m be too much for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in comparison to the £40-50m Brentford would demand at this late stage of the transfer market for Ivan Toney? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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