Barcelona and Chelsea advancing with deal for veteran star, formal offer expected today | OneFootball

In a major development, as reported by Toni Juanmarti, Chelsea are ready to present a formal offer for Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the next few hours.

The 33-year-old veteran has been on the radars of Chelsea in recent weeks as they desperately look for a new striker following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund in the past and is pushing for a reunion.

Barça were believed to have been reluctant to let go of the forward, especially with Memphis Depay already on his way out. However, their need to generate funds and free up space on the wage bill to successfully register players could see the club cash in on the ex-Arsenal skipper.

As per the report, talks between Chelsea and Barcelona are advancing and the Blues are now expected to table a formal offer imminently, with all parties involved keen on getting the deal over the line at the earliest possible.

Chelsea were believed to have made a bid for Aubameyang already, although Juanmarti clarifies that it was only a verbal offer. Their first formal offer will now be tabled in the coming hours, which could see Aubameyang secure a swift return to England.

The 33-year-old joined Barcelona only during the January window earlier this year, arriving as a free agent after Arsenal ripped up his contract. He quickly became a key player for Xavi Hernandez’s side, playing a part in their second-place finish in La Liga.

However, Robert Lewandowski’s arrival this summer has seen Aubameyang drop down the pecking order to the second-choice No. 9 at Camp Nou.

Along with Chelsea, Manchester United have also shown an interest in the former Arsenal captain. However, Aubameyang is believed to have made it clear that if he leaves Barça, it would only be for Chelsea.

With a formal offer from the Blues expected imminently, things could pick up pace in the coming hours, and Aubameyang could soon be on his way back to London.