Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not move to Chelsea as part of a player plus cash deal, according to a reliable source.
The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League just six months after leaving Arsenal for the Nou Camp. He departed the Emirates under a cloud and enjoyed his first stint with the Catalan giants. The former Gabon hitman bagged 13 goals from 23 outings in all competitions but his days at the club may be numbered.
With the arrival of Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, the former Borussia Dortmund ace could well find himself on the margins this term.
And, despite having a contract until the summer of 2025, Aubameyang has been linked with a summer exit.
The player’s price tag might be an issue for the Blues. And reports suggested that the Stamford Bridge outfit were hoping to include defender Marcos Alonso in the deal.
Trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano admits talks over his future are progressing. But the Italian journalist insists Barca will not play ball on that particular request.
He tweeted on Friday: “Barcelona and Pierre Aubameyang’s camp will meet tonight. Direct talk to discuss Chelsea deal and so how to proceed after personal terms agreed yesterday night.
“Barca ask for cash instead of Marcos Alonso included in this deal as they have to register Kounde.”
Aubameyang to solve Chelsea striker problem
Chelsea have made a decent start to the fledgling campaign, with four points from two games played. An opening 1-0 triumph over Everton was followed by a fiery 2-2 draw with capital rivals Tottenham.
But Thomas Tuchel has been operating without a recognised number nine after the departure of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. And it is known that the German tactician is eager to get a new forward on his books.
There are a few pundits who feel signing the African would be a gamble. Disciplinary issues clouded the latter stages of his four-year stay in north London.
Gunners chief Mikel Arteta was pleased to see the back of the veteran when he departed for Barcelona in last season’s winter window.
But Tuchel knows the former Saint-Etienne star well from their time together at Dortmund. And it is said to be the duo’s relationship that has given him hope that Aubameyang could do a decent job at the Bridge.
His record speaks for itself. He notched 141 goals from 213 appearances for BVB and was also prolific for Arsenal. The French-born ace found the net on 92 occasions from 163 outings.
If he does arrive in west London it would be a transfer that few saw coming until the start of August. He would be welcomed by the Blues faithful but it is unlikely Arsenal fans would be so cordial.