Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly ready to join Chelsea after the Blues submitted an offer to buy him from Barcelona.
Aubameyang, 33, only joined the La Liga giants in the January transfer window, but the arrival of Robert Lewandowski will cut his game time substantially. With Barcelona also needing to raise funds to relieve their financial problems, the striker has become a prime candidate to be moved on.
Chelsea have emerged as a surprise destination for the former Arsenal captain, with Thomas Tuchel seeking attacking recruits. The German has allowed Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku to leave this summer, with a new option up front his main priority as the summer window winds down.
Aubameyang has quickly become their top target, with Tuchel keen to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund player. The Blues made their move on Friday, submitting an official offer to Barca.
According to Sport, Aubameyang would have 'no problems' with leaving Camp Nou after Chelsea offered him a three-year contract with an increased salary. He is waiting for the deal to be finalised between the two clubs.
Chelsea are said to have gone 'all out' to sign Aubameyang, with Tuchel getting personally involved to seal a deal. Aubayemang had been reluctant to return to the Premier League, but the Blues boss has helped to overcome his doubts.
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He has also been attracted by the contract being offered, which means he can retire at the highest level. A combination of that deal, plus his wariness over a potential decrease in game time is said to have now seen his head turn.
A potential stumbling block is that Barca are reluctant to sell Aubameyang, though an exit is needed if they are to register Jules Kounde. Chelsea have offered a fee of £16million plus Marcos Alonso in an attempt to complete a move for the striker.
The Blues are rushing to come to an agreement with Barca before the end of the window. The Blaugrana face Real Sociedad on Sunday night, with Aubameyang set to be among the substitutes, though boss Xavi refused to be drawn on Chelsea's move to buy him.
"There is a market that ends on August 31 and we will see what will happen. Neither Aubameyang nor Memphis [Depay] have left and tomorrow we will be able to use them. Auba could be important against Real Sociedad, but we will see the circumstances," he said.
"If there is an offer for any of them, we’ll see how the squad turns out to be. Now the priority is to register Kounde. Kounde is training really well. He’s great with the ball. I think we signed a very good player. Now we need to sell some players to register him."
Chelsea, meanwhile, will travel to Leeds United and Tuchel is expected to continue with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling up front. The Blues have scored three goals in their two games so far this season, though none of those have been scored by one of their attacking players.
