Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer latest: Ex-Arsenal striker nearing Chelsea switch

Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in recent weeks following the departure of Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues have been left without a recognised striker since the Belgian returned to Inter Milan, while Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling have been taking up the role up top.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are eager to bolster their attack and have been heavily linked with Aubameyang all month, with a potential move looking increasingly more likely.

Here is the latest news...

‘Very positive’ talks

Fabrizio Romano had confirmed that a meeting had been scheduled between Barcelona and Chelsea over the potential transfer yesterday as they looked to discuss the length of contract and salary.

The journalist has today provided an update on the meeting, claiming that Thursday’s talks were ‘very positive’ and admitted that both parties are on the same page over personal terms.

It is unclear how much the Blues are willing to pay Aubameyang if he returns to the Premier League, however reports claim he earns around £184,000-a-week with the Catalan giants - significantly less than the £350k-a-week he was raking in at Arsenal.

His wage at the Emirates Stadium would make him the highest earner at Chelsea, while if he was to earn a similar salary from his time at the Nou Camp then he would be making less than only Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell.

Asking price too high

While Fabrizio Romano has claimed that an agreement on personal terms will be easy for Chelsea and Aubameyang, he has suggested a decision on the transfer fee will be much harder to come by.

Reports claim the Spanish club want £21m for the 33-year-old this summer, despite only signing him on a free transfer in January.

Chelsea are adamant that their asking price is too high and will look to pay less for the forward, while Barca are desperate to raise some funds to ease their financial problems.

It is thought that the Blues have already had a £12m bid rejected for Aubameyang and it is likely the clubs will have to meet in the middle.