Romano: Chelsea honchos pushing to sign former Arsenal star playing in Spain | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano updates that Boehly and Tuchel are pushing to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

According to a tweet from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and manager Thomas Tuchel are pushing hard to sign former Arsenal and current Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Although no formal offer has been made to the Spanish side, the 33-year-old is considered an ideal option to lead the line by the Chelsea hierarchy.

The Blues have been linked with him for the past few days now, as the search for a new striker goes on for the club after the departure of Romelu Lukaku and the return of Timo Werner to RB Leipzig. As of now, they only have Armando Broja as an option to play in that number nine position.

Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling can play as a false nine, but neither of them is a natural, out-and-out centre-forward. Aubameyang and Tuchel have worked together before when the duo was at Borussia Dortmund.

The relationship seemed pretty good then, which probably is why the manager wants to work with him again. The Gabon international no doubt has immense quality and massive experience to lead the line and score goals.

The 33-year-old arrived at Barcelona from Arsenal in January itself and did well in the La Liga in the second half of last season. He scored 11 goals and assisted one in 17 league appearances for the Spanish giants, which is more than good going.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona acknowledges the crowd. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

So, if Chelsea do manage to complete his signature before the deadline day, they are not getting someone who is past his best. The striker showed in his brief spell at Barcelona that he has got a lot more to offer to the game, be it in a Barcelona jersey or any other.

He used to be electric during his prime years and his speed is still hard for defenders to deal with. He also played as a left-winger at Arsenal which means he can offer Tuchel the luxury of playing him in more than one position.

From the Blues’ viewpoint, seeing how much Boehly and Tuchel want this move to happen, it is clear that they are desperate to sign a striker who can score goals and also link up play with the wingers and midfielders.