Why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Chelsea's ideal signing as £22.8 million transfer from Barcelona nears

Chelsea’s search for a new striker has been an ongoing open file with the Blues yet to directly replace Romelu Lukaku, who departed for Inter Milan this window. 

Goals have always been hard to come by in recent years, even in the Lukaku era, so it comes with very little shock that Chelsea are in the market for a new forward.

To date, Thomas Tuchel’s men have added Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marc Cucurella, and most recently Cesare Casadei among others to their squad.

They’re still in the market for a defender with Wesley Fofana heavily linked to make the move to London.

While that file stays open, the Blues continue to make a move for Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is familiar with the capital after his time spent playing for Arsenal. The Gabonese international has a proven goal scoring record at every club he’s played for.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a target for Chelsea this summer. (Alamy)

During the earlier days of his career, Aubameyang played under Tuchel and it is understood that personal terms wouldn’t be an issue to convince him of a switch to Stamford Bridge. Aubameyang fell out with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal which led to his January exit, but experienced a positive relationship with Tuchel during their time together at Borussia Dortmund. 

Speaking on the forward earlier this month, Tuchel admitted that he will always be his player after the success they enjoyed working together in Germany.

“I enjoyed a lot working with him, was a pleasure.

'Some players stay your players because you work very very close, Auba is one of these players,” he said. 

Thomas Tuchel with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund. (Alamy)

“We had a very close relationship. Always when we played him here with Arsenal, there was always straight away this close bond. They always stay your players in a way, Auba is one of these guys. 

“No (concerns regarding discipline) because I experienced none of this. This is nothing to do with the situation in Arsenal which I will also not comment out of respect. It’s not on me to comment, I don’t know what happened.

'In Dortmund there was never an issue.”

At Dortmund, Aubameyang scored 76 goals over two seasons under Tuchel’s guidance and built a great understanding together. He constantly produces excellent numbers across various leagues around Europe, but the key factor is that he is Premier League proven, scoring 92 goals in 163 appearances.

Aubameyang would be the ideal signing, joining the Blues at a reasonable fee with advanced negotiations ongoing over a 22.8 million fee, while his versatility and ability to play as the leading striker or off the left shoulder suits Tuchel’s system perfectly, allowing an interchange between the likes of Sterling, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount – a flexibility in attack that Tuchel has had for a number of years in the past.

Renowned for his pace and finishing, Aubameyang is just as efficient off the ball, as he is on it. His pressing high up the pitch would be key to fitting into the German’s tactics.

Chelsea have always had great luck with African strikers in the past, and Aubameyang may not replicate the success Didier Drogba brought to the club, but he can kick-start the Blues in the right direction to get them competing in England and major European competitions.

The number nine is vacant at Chelsea, but the curse that comes with it may steer Aubameyang in favour of choosing a different number at the club should he join. Regardless, exciting times lie ahead for Chelsea and if Aubameyang were to join, it would take the club to far greater heights.