CHELSEA are set to launch an improved bid to land Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with only days left of the window, according to reports.
The Blues are running out of time to bring in a striker as they hunt for replacements for Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
Aubameyang is believed to be the number one target up front but negotiations between the clubs have stalled.
But Mundo Deportivo report Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is leading the charge to “revive” the deal.
The report says Chelsea are prepared to up their initial bid to £17m to land the 33-year-old.
But journalist Nicolo Schira reports Chelsea could be willing to go as high as £21m.
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Even if Barcelona do agree the fee, the London club could still face issues over personal terms.
Reports suggest that they only want to give the Gabonese international a one-year deal – but Aubameyang wants at least two.
Tuchel managed the forward while they were both at Dortmund and is believed to be keen on the prospect of bringing him back to England.
It would be a dramatic return for the striker who left Arsenal at the beginning of this year after falling out with Mikel Arteta.
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But his turbulent transfer from the Emirates did not affect his form as he hit 11 goals in 17 LaLiga games to fire Barcelona into the top four.
His goalscoring form was also impressive at Arsenal.
In consecutive seasons he managed to hit 22 Premier League goals.
Away from his move, Aubameyang has been dealing with a shocking break-in at his house by four armed men.
The player was threatened with firearms and iron bars, and was also beaten, according to police sources reported by El Pais.
The thieves also intimidated Aubameyang’s wife, Alysha Behague, with weapons until they managed to get the safe open.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
