Chelsea reportedly have work to do if they are to recover from their latest setback and sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
The Blues are chasing the former Arsenal striker in the back end of the summer transfer window. Raheem Sterling has arrived at Stamford Bridge, but after Romelu Lukaku’s departure, the Blues are without an out-and-out striker.
Chelsea reportedly had a £15million offer for Aubameyang rejected earlier in the window.
The recent 3-0 defeat to Leeds proved Chelsea’s need for more support up top. But those problems became more evident with Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton.
As such, the London club held a first round of intense talks with Barcelona on Wednesday to try and sign Aubameyang.
However, El Partizado de COPE claims that the discussions have gone ‘very badly’ and not the way both sides intended.
The reported sticking point involves Blues left-back Marcos Alonso. Barca want to sign the Spaniard following their failure to land Blues right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.
But while Chelsea want to incorporate Alonso as part of their payment for Aubameyang, Barcelona have refused that proposition.
As a result, both clubs are holding fresh talks on Wednesday afternoon to try and make a breakthrough.
Aubameyang seemingly on Barcelona way out
Aubameyang signed for Barcelona in January after Arsenal terminated his contract following continued disciplinary issues with manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gabon international has scored 13 goals in 24 Blaugrana appearances. Still, the La Liga side’s summer business has made him almost surplus to requirements – so far at least.
In fact, Aubameyang has only played eight minutes in La Liga this term. He has also remained on the bench for the past two games against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid.
Barcelona won those matches 4-1 and 4-0. Instead of Aubameyang, though, it was Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele getting the goals up front alongside Robert Lewandowski.
Chelsea just looking for quality
There is no doubt about it, Chelsea signing Aubameyang is not a long-term option given he is 33 – but it is a wise one.
Chelsea need goals – and quickly. Sterling has scored three goals in three games, but all of the Blues’ other goals so far this term have not come from attacking players.
Reece James, Jorginho and Kalidou Koulibaly have all chipped in instead.
As such, boss Thomas Tuchel needs a proven goalscorer – and Aubameyang fits the bill.
He may be 33, but he knows English football inside-out after 92 goals in 163 games for Arsenal.
The striker also worked with Tuchel when the pair were at Borussia Dortmund together. It may not be a long-term option for Chelsea, but Aubameyang definitely works as a goalscoring addition.