Chelsea have reached a personal agreement with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but now have to pay 25 million euros, the price that Barcelona is asking for him.
Chelsea have made even bigger strides towards signing Aubameyang, Goal learns, after reaching personal terms with the striker. Barca want £21.4m for the Gabonese and talks between the clubs are progressing well.
Aubameyang is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Stamford Bridge club with an option for a further year. The player hopes his future can be decided quickly as he is currently staying in a hotel after being the victim of a violent burglary at his home last week. Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel has a close relationship with Aubameyang, which he established when the German coached Borussia Dortmund, and after a not so good start to the new season, the Gabonese is expected to be back in London.
Barcelona hope that Aubameyang’s departure – and the potential departure of Miralem Pjanic – would free up funds to further strengthen the squad this transfer window. Goal understands that they believe they will manage to secure the services of Chelsea left-back Alonso.
Chelsea will have to do without Aubameyang for the next few games as they travel to St Mary’s Stadium to take on Southampton tonight (Tuesday) evening.