Chelsea could be closing in on the capture of Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with a move reportedly ‘heating up’.
According to COPE, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s potential transfer from Barcelona to Chelsea could be ‘heating up’, with the veteran striker edging closer to a return to the Premier League.
Aubameyang signed for Barcelona only last January, arriving on a free transfer after Arsenal terminated his contract. The 33-year-old immediately developed into a vital part of Xavi Hernandez’s side, helping them finish second in La Liga. He ended the campaign as Barcelona’s joint top scorer with 13 goals to his name.
However, the arrival of Robert Lewandowski this summer has seen Aubameyang drop a peg down the pecking order. And Chelsea are planning to capitalise on the situation by making a move for the Gabonese marksman.
Chelsea need a proven goalscorer to lead their line after they axed both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, leaving Thomas Tuchel with Armando Broja as the only natural striker in his ranks. And the German tactician is seeking a reunion with Aubameyang, having trained him at Borussia Dortmund in the past.
Pierre Aubameyang update. Been told meeting with Chelsea on Thursday night was "very positive", personal terms won't be an issue – Chelsea and Auba's camp are on the same page about contract. ?? #CFC
It's now time for talks with Barça – €30m price tag considered too high. pic.twitter.com/dIX1HwfOmh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2022
Barcelona were initially reluctant to let go of Aubameyang as they are also losing Memphis Depay to Juventus imminently. However, their inability to register Jules Kounde and any other potential incomings before the transfer window closes has forced the La Liga giants to make a big sale.
With Frenkie de Jong unwilling to leave, Aubameyang has emerged as the sacrificial lamb. The striker, for his part, appears open to leaving, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that discussions with Chelsea over personal terms have progressed positively. At the same time, talks between Barcelona and Chelsea also seem to be going well, with the chances of a move increasing.
The only issue could be Barcelona’s asking price. The Catalans want €30 million for Aubameyang, which Chelsea might be reluctant to pay, given his age. But considering the desperate situation that both clubs find themselves in, an agreement could be worked out in the coming days which would see Aubameyang return to the Premier League less than ten months after leaving Arsenal.
