Barcelona fans have pleaded with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the Camp Nou ahead of a potential move to Chelsea. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel looks to add to his wealth of attacking options.
football.london understand that the Blues submitted a £22million bid for the former Arsenal captain on Wednesday evening. It's believed that talks with the Spanish giants over Aubameyang's sale are ongoing.
With a potential move to west London on the cards, supporters have pleaded that the striker doesn't leave. Waiting outside the Barcelona training complex to welcome the players, fans shouted: "Auba don't go."
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It's understood that Tuchel is eager to reunite with the Gabon international, having enjoyed working together at Borussia Dortmund five-years ago. The Chelsea boss is said to have specifically identified the striker as a priority signing before the transfer window slams shut in just over a week.
When asked of Aubameyang in a pre-match press-conference ahead of Chelsea's clash with Tottenham Hotspur, the German said: "I enjoyed a lot working with him [at Borussia Dortmund]. It was a pleasure. This has nothing to do with the situation now, but 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."
While the potential arrival of Aubameyang could be an exciting signing, it could spoil the future of Armando Broja at Chelsea. The 20-year-old, who sees his contract with the Blues expire in 2026 after signing a new long-term deal last summer, featured 38 times for the Saints, directly contributing toward 10 goals.
The Albania international played a key role in steering Ralph Hasenhuttl's side to safety from relegation. As the west Londoners' only 'out and out No.9', he could be set for a integral role under Tuchel but is yet to be even granted a start.
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