CHELSEA have confirmed the £10million signing of former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
The striker, 33, has penned a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge with the option for a third season.
And Aubameyang’s arrival is expected to see Marcos Alonso leave Chelsea in the opposite direction after six years of service.
Neither club have revealed whether Alonso has formed part of the deal or has ended his contract at Chelsea to move to the Nou Camp.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: “Pierre-Emerick is an elite striker with a proven track record in the Premier League and his arrival strengthens our squad, giving us new attacking options.
“We are thrilled to have Pierre-Emerick on board with us in the new era at Chelsea and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
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And Barca paid a glowing tribute to the man they signed from Arsenal on a free transfer.
Their statement read: “FC Barcelona publicly expresses its gratitude to Aubameyang for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and ever-present positive and warm approach regarding every aspect involving the Club.
“We wish him the best of fortune and every success in the future.
“Your smile radiated happiness both on and off the pitch, thank you. Barça will always be your home.”
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Thomas Tuchel was desperate to land a proven goalscorer before Thursday’s deadline.
Aubameyang worked with Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund between 2015 and 2017, scoring an incredible 79 goals.
And Chelsea fans will be hoping the pair can work their magic together again after a dire start to the new season.
Aubameyang, who scored 92 goals in four years at Arsenal, only joined Barca in February.
He netted 13 strikes in 23 games, but jumped at the chance to return to England following Barcelona’s capture of Robert Lewandowski.
Meanwhile, Alonso is expected to pen a three-year contract at Barcelona.
The left-back, 31, made 212 appearances at Chelsea following a £24m move from Fiorentina in 2016, scoring an impressive 29 goals.
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Alonso won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League during his time at the Bridge.
And he will now battle Jordi Alba for a place in Xavi Hernandez’s side after Barca’s No18 rejected a loan switch to Inter Milan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
