Chelsea have reached a 'breakthrough' in their pursuit of Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as 'talks continued' at Stamford Bridge today, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Aubameyang only left London in February, when his Arsenal contract was terminated by mutual consent, but it appears that a quickfire return to the capital could be on the cards.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Aubameyang?
It is understood that Chelsea have upped the ante in their bid to land Aubameyang and lodged a £15million offer which would see Marcos Alonso head to Barcelona.
The Blues are reportedly confident of sealing the frontman's arrival ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at 11pm on September 1.
It comes after Spanish media outlet Deportivo Mundo – via the Mirror – claimed an opening proposal worth £12million had been turned down by Barcelona.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Aubameyang has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and discussions between his representatives and Barcelona were scheduled to take place last Friday.
The La Liga giants value the 33-year-old at £25.3million and would prefer to negotiate a straight cash deal.
What has Dean Jones said about Aubameyang?
Jones understands that Chelsea have made progress in negotiations with Barcelona and moved a step closer towards luring Aubameyang, who has scored 299 goals over the course of his senior club career, back to the Premier League.
The journalist is aware that discussions continued today and a breakthrough has been reached.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Good news on the Aubameyang front for Chelsea as the move has progressed in a positive manner.
"Everyone involved has been so wary of this collapsing but, as talks continued on Monday, there has been growing hope it might actually happen.
"As we have all seen, Chelsea need a goal threat and this breakthrough seems significant."
What are Chelsea's current striker options?
Chelsea have been left short of options at the top end of the pitch thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s loan return to Inter Milan and the decision to allow Timo Werner to rejoin RB Leipzig for £25million.
Kai Havertz has been a regular starter but failed to notch a goal or an assist since the campaign got underway, including when he led the line in the 3-0 defeat at Leeds United on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling, fresh from completing a £47.5million switch from Manchester City during the summer, has also struggled to find the back of the net.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel has handed Armando Broja just 15 minutes of action, having returned from a season-long loan at Southampton, while Michy Batshuayi has not made a Premier League appearance for Chelsea since February 2020.