Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Chelsea have long shown an interest in Aubameyang, and Manchester United recently joined the race for the Gabon international.
However, reports have it that Aubameyang isn’t interested in a move to Old Trafford but is open to joining Chelsea.
Aubameyang would prefer to play Champions League football with Chelsea this season, and a meeting has been slated for Thursday between Chelsea and Aubameyang’s representatives.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said of the race to sign Aubameyang: “No negotiations between Pierre Aubameyang and Man United as things stand. It was ruled out days ago, Pierre is focused on Chelsea bid as he wants UCL football. New direct contacts on Thursday to discuss personal terms conditions.
“Xavi, still insisting to keep Auba.”
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel knows Aubameyang well from their time at Borussia Dortmund, and the pair had an excellent relationship, with the Gabonese delivering the goods at the time under Tuchel.
Tuchel has spoken highly of Aubameyang, as rumours continue to intensify.
“I enjoyed a lot working with him, it was a pleasure,” Tuchel told a press conference of Aubameyang.
“It has nothing to do with the situation now but some players stay your players because you were very, very close and Auba is one of those players, we had a very close relationship.
“Always when we played him here with Arsenal it was always straight away this close bond. They always stay your players, in a way, and Auba is one of these guys.”