Chelsea in advanced talks to agree deal for Barcelona No.25 forward

Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks to secure the services of Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a permanent basis.

After allowing Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku to join RB Leipzig and Inter Milan respectively, the West London giants are looking to strengthen their attacking line before the transfer window ends on September 2.

The Blues are allegedly in advanced talks with La Liga giants, Barcelona to secure the services of Gabon international forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a permanent basis, with a fee between £15m and £25m being discussed.

Aubameyang has emerged as one of Thomas Tuchel’s top transfer targets, with the German head-coach having previously worked with the 33-year-old forward during his time at Dortmund.

According to Sky Sports News, talks between Barcelona and Chelsea over a deal for Aubameyang have reached an advanced stage and they are on the verge to reach an agreement.

The report claims that a fee between £15m and £25m is being discussed between the two teams, with the Blues wanting to include Marcos Alonso in a player-plus-cash offer, while the Catalan giants would prefer a straight cash sum.

Aubameyang – who managed to found back of the net 79 times in two campaigns under Tuchel at Dortmund – only joined the Catalan giants in January on a free transfer from the Gunners, however, he appears to have fallen down the pecking order under head coach Xavi following the big-money addition of Robert Lewandowski.

It is believed that the former Arsenal forward would be open to a return to the English top-tier and reuniting with Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, where he is more likely to receive regular first-team football.

Tuchel revealed earlier this month that he has a close relationship with Gabon international forward.

“I enjoyed a lot working with him, it was a pleasure. This has nothing to do with the situation now, but some players stay your players because you were very, very close and Auba is one of those players,” Tuchel told reporters.

“We had a very close relationship. Always when he played here with Arsenal, it was straight away this close bond. They always stay your players in a way and Auba is one of those players.”