It does feel slightly ironic that in order for Chelsea to resolve their current attacking shortcomings, the wide-held belief from onlookers is to repeat what they attempted last summer in pursuing a "classic number nine".
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is certainly not the same profile as Romelu Lukaku, or even Cristiano Ronaldo who was linked earlier in the summer. But it again will pose questions to Thomas Tuchel over how he can ensure a prolific goalscorer continues to produce within his system.
Chelsea are very confident Barcelona will accept their £22million offer for Aubameyang, football.london understands, and reunite him with Tuchel in west London, with personal terms still to be resolved.
READ MORE: Chelsea bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Thomas Tuchel gets Cristiano Ronaldo transfer wish
Todd Boehly would again be forking out a lucrative contract to a player in the latter years of their career, as he did last month with Kalidou Koulibaly.
But Tuchel will hope that his previous strong relationship with the Gabon international and his record of 68 goals in 128 appearances across London for rivals Arsenal could add a finishing touch to a system that lacked precision.
Although this is an ultra short-term solution with could have ramifications, there is a historical precedent for players moving across London to Chelsea and gaining great success, just ask Ashley Cole, Cesc Fabregas and Olivier Giroud.
Tactically Aubameyang is not as traditional a centre-forward as others, in fact, he was a wide player converted into a more central role at Borussia Dortmund, even at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. Given Tuchel's insistence on fluid forward lines, there could be some wiggle room at Chelsea for Aubameyang to be used off the left as he was at the Emirates Stadium.
In the opening two games this season we have seen Tuchel stick with his usual 3-4-2-1 formation, but there was more variation against Spurs in possession, with Chelsea moving into a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 as Ruben Loftus-Cheek shifted inside from his right wingback spot.
Should Aubameyang return so soon to the Premier League, here are some of the attacking lineups Tuchel could opt for.
The 3-4-2-1
As you would expect, Aubameyang would likely fill the central role in Tuchel's three-man attack. Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz have started in the first two games, how this would impact the minutes and positioning of Havertz will be enlightening.
Sterling has been given a free attacking role, shifting from left to right and at times playing as the central forward. Would Aubameyang's arrival force him to move to either flank or could this fluidity continue?
The 3-4-1-2
Part of what Tuchel clearly desires is a less refined or obvious focal point. He wants movement, he wants interchangeable players who have the energy to not only counter-press but keeps defenders guessing.
Few players better demonstrate that belief than Mason Mount, who has consistently caused havoc dropping deeper into pockets of space to receive the ball.
A split-striker system was seen in the Champions League winning run, and we could see a scenario where both Aubameyang and Havertz or Aubameyang and Sterling operate in a front-two with Mount in behind.
Even the raw talent of Armando Broja could be useful here, posing a more physical presence along with the speed and instinct of Aubameyang.
4-4-3
Slightly gazing back to Tuchel's time with Aubameyang in the Bundesliga, Aubameyang sat at the top of the 4-3-3, with Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in his first season.
Regardless of personnel, nearly all of Aubameyang's finishes for Tuchel were one touch, inside the six-yard-box, usually tucking away a well-crafted chance with ease made down the wings.
Maybe this approach could see Sterling return to the position he played at Manchester City with Pep Guardiola, although he was able to create chances from the right on his favoured foot. Mount could very naturally drift into a deeper midfield position, whilst the bid for Anthony Gordon from Everton maybe indicates Tuchel's desire for wider threats.
READ NEXT :
Thomas Tuchel risks ruining Chelsea reputation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer pursuit
Thomas Tuchel repeats Vinicius Jnr trick to uncover £40m Chelsea transfer solution vs Spurs
Timo Werner Chelsea fate exposes wider transfer mistake that Todd Boehly cannot repeat
Callum Hudson-Odoi Dortmund talks could finally end Chelsea's £150m transfer dead-end
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
