Chelsea are set to submit their first formal offer to Barcelona for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who would double his salary at Stamford Bridge, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.
According to the report, the Blues’ initial offer is imminent, while the negotiation between the club and Aubameyang is “on track”.
Chelsea are expected to make an offer worth €19million (£16.1m) plus around €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.
It would be an arguably exorbitant offer for a 33-year-old who joined Barcelona on a free transfer less than a year ago, but he is under contract until 2025 and has performed impressively well during his stint in Spain.
The former Arsenal star registered 11 goals and an assist from 13 starts (17 appearances in total) in La Liga in the second half of last season.
The move would also make sense for all parties involved. Chelsea are in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer, while Barcelona are reportedly trying to offload players due to financial issues.
Robert Lewandowski’s arrival at Barcelona has likely pushed Aubameyang down the pecking order at the club as well.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Chelsea are confident about the prospect of signing the former Gabon international after holding a meeting with the player’s camp.
BBC MOTD pundits; Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, both insisted that to compete for a top-four finish, Chelsea would have to sign a new striker while Armando Broja develops.
Whether Aubameyang could be the solution to Chelsea’s long-term striking problems remains to be seen, however.
At least Tuchel clearly knew how to get the best out of the speedy forward during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
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