Chelsea have had an extremely busy summer transfer window, to say the least.
The Blues have lost centre-backs Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers, replacing them with veteran Senegalese star Kalidou Koulibaly and versatile Spaniard Marc Cucurella. Prolific English forward Raheem Sterling has also arrived at Stamford Bridge alongside young stars Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei, and Thomas Tuchel is still keen to further bolster his squad before the end of the transfer window, football.london understands.
One position that is likely to be strengthened is centre-forward, with Barcelona frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang mooted as a potential target. With that being said, football.london takes a look at all the latest speculation involving the Gabon international potentially arriving in west London this summer.
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Xavi snub
Despite Xavi still wanting to keep Aubameyang, the forward was left on the bench for Barcelona's 4-0 win against Real Valladolid. New striker Robert Lewandowski grabbed two whilst Aubameyang watched on.
The player is still wanted to stay in Spain by Xavi, reports Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: "I’m told personal terms agreed after meeting in London 12 days ago, no problem on Auba side but there’s absolutely no agreement between clubs despite claims of deal done for days… also, Xavi pushing to keep Auba is another reason."
This comes as Xavi had admitted uncertainty as to if the player would remain his comes the end of the window. Xavi has said: "There is a market that ends on August 31 and we will see what will happen. I am counting on him and tomorrow it could be important, but we will see the circumstances.
"We are going to assess. Neither Auba nor Memphis has come out and tomorrow we will be able to use them. We have to see how the squad turns out. The priority is to sign up Kounde."
football.london understands that Chelsea are still confident that Barcelona will accept their £22million offer.
Contrasting reports
There could yet be a twist with the move though. David Ornstein of the Athletic is reporting that Chelsea have their own reservations over the deal, partly down to the time it has taken to complete the deal - Si Phillips writes that Chelsea had hoped to have the Gabon forward for the weekend's match against Leicester - and also the price and wage value due to his age.
Ornstein writes: "Chelsea have reservations over signing Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, and the Anthony Gordon move is looking unlikely.
"The club made a proposal worth £15million to sign the former Arsenal striker earlier this month but have not yet reached an agreement with Barcelona or personal terms with the player.
"There is a question mark over the value of the proposed deal given Aubameyang is 33 and will expect a high salary, which Chelsea would want to include performance incentives."
Improved bid
Chelsea have submitted a new and improved bid to Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The report claims a £17million offer has been made, which has removed add-ons and the structure of the deal is focused around up front payments.
Barca are said to be happy with the improvement, but are looking for closer to £25million to let the striker leave the club.
Talks ongoing
Chelsea are now confident that their £22million offer for Aubameyang will be accepted, football.london understands.
The player will now be the subject of more intense transfer talks between the clubs, with a scheduled meeting set to take place today (Thursday, August 18), as per Fabrizio Romano. He tweeted: "Pierre Aubameyang deal. Meeting in the next hours, scheduled since last Sunday - main focus will be on the personal terms. Length of contract and salary will be discussed today with Chelsea.
"Right after, Chelsea will prepare their first official bid to Barcelona."
Manchester United interest
Aubameyang could prove to be the killer of any lasting interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, and would surely end the prospect of him becoming Todd Boehly's statement buy of the summer. As for Manchester United themselves, the Red Devils are believed to have had their own interest in Aubameyang but have so far not made a move or acted on their attraction.
As Romano revealed: "No negotiations between Pierre Aubameyang and Man United as things stand. It was ruled out days ago, Pierre is focused on Chelsea bid as he wants UCL football. New direct contacts on Thursday to discuss personal terms conditions."
Asking price
Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti reported that the Blues will not pay the £25million asking price that Barcelona have set for Aubameyang this summer. The Blaugrana were able to sign him for free back in January after his contract with Arsenal was cancelled and it is said that Chelsea are only willing to pay half of the Catalan club's current asking price.
Priority deal
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Aubameyang is one of Chelsea's priorities at this moment in time. Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Chelsea are in direct contact for Pierre Aubameyang and Wesley Fofana as priority deals, but still working on top talents for the future."
Transfer stance
Aubameyang is "unaware" of any plans from Barcelona to sell the striker this summer and expects to stay at the Nou Camp, reports The Times. The former Arsenal captain is said to be wanted by the Blaugrana for next season, despite the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
Key concern
Should Chelsea wish to land Aubameyang this window, their main problem may be convincing Barcelona to let him go once they make an offer. That's because, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Blaugrana are only keen on letting one of him or Memphis Depay leave the club during the window.
The Netherlands international is said to be in talks over a contract termination and move to Juventus, which may cause a problem in the Blues' attempts to land their main target.
Aubameyang interest
Chelsea hold an interest in Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, football.london understands. Manager Thomas Tuchel is keen on a reunion with the Gabon international, having coached him in their time together at Borussia Dortmund, and he views the forward as a key target in the window.
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