Former Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde could give Thomas Tuchel an unlikely boost in signing his "dream" striker this summer. It comes as the Blues continue their search for forward reinforcements, with just one week remaining in the transfer window before it closes.
The summer has already seen a raft of changes, with some high-profile names leaving the club for pastures new. The new ownership has shown plenty of backing to the manager to replace these players, with a mixture of first-team additions alongside players bought for the future.
However, an unfinished squad has seen a mixed bag of results in the Premier League, with one win, one draw and one loss so far. The latest was a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Leeds United, with the Blues struggling to beat the press of the home side and created few chances of their own.
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Discussing the potential for further additions after the game, Tuchel told the media: "I don't know. We need to wait. The transfer period is still open. It gets later and later, and we need to focus on what we have and what we can do."
While the defence remains a key issue - having conceded five in their opening three, with Leicester defender Wesley Fofana in talks over a move - there still remains questions over the attacking capability of Chelsea. The Blues have managed to score three goals so far, though they continue to look less than penetrative at times in the final third.
With the loss of Romelu Lukaku on loan to Internazionale, there is still a void for a natural centre-forward option. Former Arsenal captain and Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a shock move, bringing about a potential reunion with Tuchel, whom he worked under at Borussia Dortmund.
Negotiations are said to be continuing with the Blaugrana for the Gabon international, however the west London outfit may have been handed an unlikely source of help in securing the deal. That's because Barca still need to register Jules Kounde, a former target of the Blues, and would need player sales to do just that.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said on the subject: "I believe this Aubameyang deal is a strategy game. Chelsea know Barcelona need to sell to register Kounde and don’t want to spend more than £15m plus add-ons, Barca know Auba is Tuchel’s priority choice and are asking €30m. I believe that €20m would be a fair price."
With one week remaining in the window, Tuchel will be hoping he can land his "dream" striker, or he may have to use the squad at his disposal until the window reopens in January.
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