Chelsea submit formal offer for Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Chelsea have officially submitted an offer for Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Thomas Tuchel looks to be reunited with his former Borussia Dortmund pupil.
Aubameyang, 31, joined Barcelona from Arsenal on a free transfer in January, but the Blaugrana are open to selling the Gabon international after landing number one summer target Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.
Xavi's side have also signed Raphinha from Leeds United and have renewed Ousmane Dembele's contract in a busy summer of transfer activity.
However, with the new additions, Aubameyang has dropped down the pecking order and has become available despite only joining the club in January.
Now, The Athletic have reported that Chelsea have submitted a formal bid to sign Aubameyang after weeks of interest in the player.
How much have Chelsea offered for Barcelona?
According to David Ornstein, the Blues are believed to have offered £15million plus Marcos Alonso to Barcelona in an attempt to sign Aubameyang. It's understood that Barcelona are yet to respond to Chelsea's offer as they deliberate over whether to let the forward leave so soon after joining.
While an agreement hasn't been reached with Barcelona, personal terms reportedly won't be an issue, despite Aubameyang spending four years at Arsenal, Chelsea's London rivals.
It's believed that Xavi wants to keep Aubameyang this summer after he impressed in the back-end of last season, but his superiors may accept Chelsea's offer as they look to improve their financial situation.
Tuchel is said to be a major factor in Chelsea's pursuit of Aubameyang, with the German desperate for a reunion with the player after their successful time together at Dortmund.
The aforementioned Alonso is included in Chelsea's offer for Aubameyang, with Barcelona keen to bring him in as back-up to Jordi Alba at left-back. Alonso didn't feature in either of Chelsea's first two Premier League fixtures of the campaign.
Aubameyang's fellow Blaugrana forward Memphis Depay is also expected to leave this summer, with Juventus interested in signing the Dutchman.