Chelsea shocked after Barcelona name Aubameyang price, as Tuchel plots two wildly contrasting signings

Barcelona have told Chelsea how much it’ll take to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while the Blues are ready to bid for a midfield target at the opposite end of his career, per reports.

Aubameyang looks like he could be squeezed out of the Camp Nou just six months after arriving from Arsenal. The Gabon marksman performed well last season, notching 11 goals in 17 LaLiga outings. However, the summer arrival of Robert Lewandowski has cast doubt over his future.

The Poland ace was duly chosen to start up front for Barcelona’s opening weekend draw with Rayo Vallecano.

Aubameyang was called upon from the bench, though the writing is clearly on the wall with regards to starts.

Chelsea have emerged as a potential landing spot after sanctioning the exits of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner. Both have returned to former clubs Inter Milan and RB Leipzig respectively.

That’s left Kai Havertz as the primary option up top, though his wastefulness against Tottenham again showed why a potent centre-forward is required.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported Aubameyang’s preference is to remain where he is. However, Barcelona may end up making the decision for him and Chelsea will at least make an attempt.

Aubameyang price tag shocks Chelsea

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed new light on the situation. He tweeted Barcelona quoted Chelsea a price of €30m (approx. £25m) at the weekend.

That figure is described as far higher than the sums Chelsea had in mind. Aubameyang is 33 and has a history of disciplinary issues.

Regardless, talks are reportedly continuing with Chelsea seemingly not put off just yet. On the contrary, manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly made Aubameyang his ‘priority’ target up front.

One factor that may aid Chelsea’s cause is Marcos Alonso. Barcelona are still pushing to sign the out of favour Spaniard who is surplus to requirements following Marc Cucurella’s arrival.

Romano described Alonso as ‘part of the conversations’ between Chelsea and Barca, hinting he may have a role to play in pushing Aubameyang the other way.

Improved bid coming for second target

Elsewhere, Chelsea are expected to lodge an improved bid to sign Cesare Casadei.

The Inter Milan midfielder is at the other end of the spectrum to Aubameyang at age 19. However, Chelsea are determined to invest in both their present and future this summer, as evidenced by their Carney Chukwuemeka coup.

The Blues have already seen a bid worth around £6.5m rejected. In a separate tweet, Romano stated a second Chelsea bid will be tabled ‘very soon’.

Inter want around £12m and it’s claimed personal terms won’t be an issue if they accept the upped bid.

Part-Blues owner, Todd Boehly, wants the deal completed some time this week, suggesting they won’t be shy in stumping up the cash.

Casadei operates primarily in central midfield and could slot into the club’s Under-23s first if signed.

He is also on Ligue 1 side Nice’s radar, though per Romano, Chelsea lead the race.