The Blues, unsure of the feasibility of a big payout for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have backed away from a move for the Barcelona frontman. However, Manchester United are keeping tabs on the former Gabon international.
Thomas Tuchel might not be getting his dream reunion after all, with reports now confirming that Chelsea’s move for Barcelona hitman – and Tuchel’s former colleague – Aubameyang has stalled. The veteran forward was the Blues’ number one choice to reinforce their attack; to that end, the club submitted a 15 million euro offer to Barcelona, which was not accepted by the Spanish giants. According to reports, the Londoners also offered Marcos Alonso – a player Barcelona had an interest in – as part of the deal, but again to no avail.
Furthermore, Chelsea are also mindful of Aubameyang’s wages. As revealed by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the ex-Gabon international would ask for a high salary to play for the Blues while the club would want him to accept a deal structured heavily on performance-related bonuses given his age.
Chelsea’s interest in Aubameyang is not as secure as a week ago, with United joining the Blues in the race for the former Arsenal forward. The Red Devils, per the report, are keeping a close watch on Auba’s situation and that of his Barcelona teammate and former United player, Memphis Depay.
Both the forwards are being linked with moves away from the Camp Nou in the final weeks of the transfer window, with some rumours even indicating that Depay and his representatives are in talks with Barcelona to rescind his contract, allowing him to move as a free agent.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also fighting over Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Everton’s Anthony Gordon – two players who are more likely to stay at their current clubs at this point in the window than switch to one of the Premier League giants.
De Jong has been reluctant to move away from Barca throughout the summer according to rumours, while Everton boss Frank Lampard confirmed the club’s intention to keep a hold of Gordon despite interest from bigger clubs, mainly Chelsea.
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