The major obstacle standing in the way of Chelsea’s move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Thomas Tuchel is desperate to sign a new forward this summer with the club having let go of both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Chelsea now only have the seemingly out-of-favour Armando Borja as their only recognised striker in the squad.

The Blues have just three weeks to find one or risk going without a centre forward until at least January.

Tuchel pushes for Aubameyang

Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) and manager Thomas Tuchel celebrate at the end of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and SC Freiburg in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 20 May 2017.

(EMBARGO CONDITIONS – ATTENTION: D J699ET Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) and manager Thomas Tuchel celebrate at the end of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and SC Freiburg in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 20 May 2017.

(EMBARGO CONDITIONS – ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa (Alamy Stock Photo)

The German coach wants to sign a striker this month and is pushing for the west London club to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as per Sport.

Chelsea remain firmly interested in signing the former Arsenal player and they are looking to force a negotiation with FC Barcelona.

Tuchel wants Aubameyang as he knows him very well from their time together at Borussia Dortmund.

The 33-year-old netted a stunning 79 goals in 95 appearances whilst also registering 17 assists.

Xavi wants to keep Auba

New Jersey, USA. 29th July, 2022. July 29, 2022, Harrison, NJ, USA: Press Conference & Training session of Barcelona FC in New Jersey. July 29, 2022, New Jersey, USA: The Press conference and training session of Barcelona FC as they bring their USA tour t 2JK2RBJ New Jersey, USA. 29th July, 2022. July 29, 2022, Harrison, NJ, USA: Press Conference & Training session of Barcelona FC in New Jersey. July 29, 2022, New Jersey, USA: The Press conference and training session of Barcelona FC as they bring their USA tour to an end in the ‘Big Apple’ where they will take on the Major League Soccer team, New York Red Bulls. This fourth and final game for Xavi Hernandez and the squad at the Red Bull Arena kicks off at 7pm local time on Saturday (30). Barcelona is about to return to Spain after their tour of the United States, but first they must face another team. (Alamy Stock Photo)

However, in Tuchel’s way, stands Xavi Hernández, who has told the club that he deems the forward to be non-transferable.

Barça will listen to offers for Auba but will also look to respect the decision of their coach.

Aubameyang’s salary is due to significantly increase this season after he agreed to join on a small wage so that the club could register him.

Meanwhile, the Gabonese striker is also keen to stay at Camp Nou, despite the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.