Chelsea are said to be closing in on a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Barcelona have told the Blues to pay £20 million for the forward while another bid for Wesley Fofana is being prepared, according to reports.
The 33-year-old has become the priority target in attack for Chelsea, having worked with Thomas Tuchel previously.
The pair shared a strong relationship during their time together at Borussia Dortmund, and Tuchel looks set to be reunited with the Gabon international at Stamford Bridge.
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Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United, Tuchel admitted he is still looking to add to his squad.
He said: "I don't know. We need to wait. The transfer period is still open.
“It gets later and later, and we need to focus on what we have and what we can do. We can obviously play at a high level, but we lost track when there was no need. We were not forced to lose track.
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“Everything was going well. We can win with this team in Leeds, everything was going well, and we had goalscoring opportunities. It went the other way, and I think it was more our fault than anyone else's credit."
It remains to be seen as to whether the German can strengthen his squad further before the end of the transfer window, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Fofana joining Aubameyang in being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
As reported by The Telegraph, there is confidence of a deal for Aubameyang being completed.
The Blues are said to have moved closer to signing the 33-year-old before the end of the window, with Tuchel looking to replace Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku with the forward.
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Furthermore, Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard has revealed that Chelsea have been told the price they must pay for Aubameyang.
He reports that the Blues were told that a bid of £20 million must be submitted.
The club were informed of this during another round of talks with Barcelona, after seeing an initial offer of £15 million plus Marcos Alonso rejected.
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Aubameyang will potentially be joined by Leicester defender Fofana this summer, with the Blues already seeing two bids rejected.
The Telegraph continues to report that Chelsea are ready to increase their offer for the 21-year-old.
He will miss the Foxes’ trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday after informing Leicester of his desire to join Chelsea.
A £70 million bid was rejected earlier this week, with the Blues now willing to increase this in order to sign the defender.
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Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Barcelona, Transfers, Leicester City, Wesley Fofana, Football
Nick Emms