Chelsea have added Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to their list of 'priority targets' and talks over a move to Stamford Bridge will be held this week, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has already spent close to £170million on bolstering his squad since the summer window reopened, but he has set his sights on a reunion with a familiar face.
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What's the latest news involving Aubameyang?
Aubameyang moved onto Chelsea's radar as a potential acquisition earlier this month and discussions were quickly held with the former Arsenal man.
It is understood that the Blues conducted further talks regarding a move for the 33-year-old over the weekend as Barcelona are keen to offload high earners amid their financial difficulties.
Although the Catalan giants are reportedly seeking a £25.2million fee for Aubameyang, which is more than Chelsea were looking to spend, negotiations are ongoing.
If the 63-cap Gabon international were to join Tuchel's side, he would return to London just a matter of months after he left Arsenal by mutual consent, allowing him to link up with Barcelona.
However, Chelsea appear to have suffered a blow in their pursuit as, according to Spanish media outlet Deportivo Mundo - via the Mirror - a £12million bid has been turned down and Aubameyang wants to fight for his place at the Nou Camp.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Aubameyang?
Romano believes that Tuchel is a huge admirer of Aubameyang and, as a result, would like to see him make the move to west London.
The transfer guru understands that Chelsea, who have agreed personal terms with Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, will step up their attempts to land the striker in the coming days.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm sure that Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of Aubameyang.
"They will try, this week, to approach Barcelona again and to find a way for Aubameyang. He's one of the priority targets for Chelsea right now."
Why is Aubameyang among Chelsea's priority targets?
Chelsea are in need of a new centre forward after sanctioning Romelu Lukaku's loan return to Inter Milan and allowing Timo Werner to rejoin RB Leipzig for £25million.
Aubameyang could be the perfect solution and is someone Tuchel knows well, having selected him on 95 occasions during their spell together at Borussia Dortmund.
In that time, the current Barcelona star scored 79 goals and registered a further 17 assists, which emphasises that the German knows how to get the best out of him.
They won silverware together and Aubameyang boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having found the back of the net 68 times in 128 outings during his stint on Arsenal's books, and that will be an additional attraction for Chelsea.