Given that Chelsea are already close to approaching the £200m spending mark for the summer transfer window, it would be strange to think that money could put off Todd Boehly. So far the new co-owner has backed up his promises to be engaged, committed and invested in his new asset, but he isn't willing to be slapdash with his cash.
Having already taken out a massive £800m loan to restructure the club's workings, Boehly is clearly taking his role seriously, but having already walked away from deals for Jules Kounde and not becoming hung up waiting for Frenkie de Jong, the American has also demonstrated cut-throat and brutal business decisions as well.
Although Chelsea are working their way out of paying a record fee for a defender in order to sign Wesley Fofana, big spending is still expected, but the latest transfer chase once again proves that Boehly won't be taken advantage of.
READ MORE: Wesley Fofana asks to be left out of Leicester squad as Chelsea transfer talk intensifies
In a situation involving Barcelona once more, a two-month-long game of chess still being played between the clubs, Boehly has met with the Spaniards to negotiate a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The forward is very much a Tuchel-style player and one of the German's personal choices, but he also represents Boehly's new striker.
football.london understands that Chelsea are confident of having their offer for the Gabonese international accepted, but financial details could yet hold the deal up, with still some way to go between the parties. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, "Chelsea have almost agreed personal terms with Pierre Aubameyang in the last 24h, but have no intention to pay crazy money to Barcelona. No way to close deal for €30m. Chelsea want to invest around £15m - otherwise they could walk away from the deal. Work in progress."
The Blues are still someway off the £25.5m (€30m) price tag. They want to reduce the initial cost as much as possible, with Simon Phillips also revealing, "Chelsea’s latest proposal for Aubameyang is around £17m plus add-ons around £5m. Chelsea feel this is enough to get it done. No agreement yet. Terms broadly agreed with player yesterday."
At 33, Aubameyang does not represent the wave of younger players being brought into Chelsea and would need to have a strict contract in order to ensure he does not get stuck at the club on high wages, an issue that has only recently played Roman Abramovich being passed over as Boehly's responsibility.
The decision to tell Barcelona that Chelsea are not willing to overspend on the player despite him being one of the only remaining forward targets is a gutsy one. It not only risks upsetting Tuchel if the deal wasn't completed, it also leaves the shortlist one name shorter with plenty still to be done in the remaining fortnight of the window.
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
