Chelsea reach 27m euro agreement with Barcelona for Aubameyang addition

The Blues could finally have another much-needed forward

August 22, 2022 at 3:09 pm GMT+1

Chelsea and Barcelona have reached an agreement for the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer in a deal worth up to 27m euros, according to reports in Spain.

The Blues have been chasing the addition of Aubameyang, a player that Thomas Tuchel knows well from his time at Borussia Dortmund, for much of August, and could now finally have landed their man.

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)

As per Spanish outlet Relevo, the clubs are close to an agreement that would see the former Arsenal captain move back to London for a fee of 22m euros (£18.5m) plus a further 5m euros in add-ons, making the total deal worth in excess of £20m.

They add that a deal could be finalised in the coming hours, with Barcelona keen to raise funds in order to fund their own transfer window. So far, they cannot register Jules Kounde, signed earlier in the window, and the Frenchman was forced to watch on as his new teammates took to the field over the weekend.

And, with a deal for Memphis Depay’s departure stalling, Barcelona’s hand has been somewhat forced.

What next for Chelsea?

Chelsea’s transfer window has been a bit of a mess, and there is still plenty to do between now and the transfer deadline, as their meek 3-0 defeat to Leeds United on Sunday proved.

Beyond Aubameyang, there is growing confidence over a deal being agreed for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, perhaps even before the two sides meet this weekend.

The Blues are also keen on adding another midfielder if the opportunity arises, with Frenkie de Jong a possibility should he be forced out of Camp Nou this summer.

Beyond that, there could be further outgoings, with the futures of Armando Broja, Marcos Alonso, Kepa, Ross Barkley and Trevoh Chalobah all up in the air.