By Victor Kanayo
Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona as they are interested in signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea have already acquired the services of Raheem Sterling, but Thomas Tuchel is eager to add another forward to his ranks following the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Having only joined in February, Aubameyang wants to stay at Barcelona, but he is a player they would be willing to let go to raise funds to register their new signings.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea identified Aubameyang as a potential new striker and contacted Barcelona to begin negotiations.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly held talks with Barcelona chiefs earlier this summer over potential transfers.
The Premier League giants have not yet tabled an official offer for the former Arsenal captain.
However, Tuchel has a close relationship with Aubameyang from their time at Dortmund and Chelsea could try to use that to their advantage.
Boehly will also push to get a deal confirmed as he is eager to deliver everything Tuchel wants – including a left back, right back, centre back, midfielder and forward.
Boehly has not had as much success as he would have liked during the summer transfer window so far.
He has struggled to progress in negotiations with top-flight clubs this summer and subsequently missed out on a host of high-profile players following the departure of Petr Cech and Marina Granovskaia – who brought more financial caution and market knowledge to the table.
Chelsea’s decision to turn to Aubameyang came after Boehly missed out on signing Robert Lewandowski.
The former Bayern Munich striker decided to join Barcelona in a £42.5million deal instead of linking up with Tuchel’s side.
