Barcelona head coach Xavi has provided an update on the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this summer as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his strike force.
football.london understand that the Blues submitted a £22million bid for the striker on Wednesday evening. It's believed that talks with the Spanish giants over the Aubameyang's sale are ongoing, though it remains to be seen whether the former Arsenal captain favours a move to west London.
It's also understood that Tuchel is eager to reunite with the Gabon international, who prospered under the German's stewardship at Borussia Dortmund. The Chelsea boss is said to have specifically identified the striker as a priority signing before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
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But, despite Tuchel's wish, it remains to be seen whether Aubameyang will pen a deal at Stamford Bridge or stay put at the Camp Nou, with Xavi keeping his cards close to his chest. Speaking to the press ahead of Barcelona's clash with Real Sociedad, the Spaniard claimed that the club currently do not know what will happen regarding the striker's future lies.
"Aubameyang? We don't know what will happen," Xavi said. "Right now he's our player, he's important but the circumstances will tell."
The Barcelona boss' standpoint seems to have changed since last week having previously insisted that he can '100% count' on Aubameyang. Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, he said: "I count 100% on Auba."
It's believed that Xavi sees Aubameyang as a key figure in the Catalan side's front-three this season - even following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski. But, with Chelsea looking to nurse goalscoring woes of their own, Tuchel is eager for Todd Boehly to wrap up a move.
There has been an emphasis at Stamford Bridge on the signings of defenders and midfielders, with Raheem Sterling the only established forward penning a deal in west London. Though, it's worth nothing that Armando Broja has returned to Chelsea following an impressive loan spell at Southampton.
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