THOMAS TUCHEL’S hopes of a reunion with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are stalling over personal terms.
The Barcelona striker wants a deal for at least two years while Chelsea are only prepared to offer a one-season contract.
Aubameyang is 33 and Chelsea are mindful of his age and committing to a long-term agreement – broadly in line with their policy on older players.
It is still hoped a compromise will be reached and that the former Arsenal captain will return to the Premier League before next Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Tuchel wants Aubameyang to join him at Stamford Bridge to provide the outlet needed in front of goal as an out-and-out centre forward with bags of experience.
Chelsea are relying on the use of so-called “false nines” – using attacking midfielder Kai Havertz or Raheem Sterling in the striker’s usual position.
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Tuchel can call on rookie Armando Broja but the 20-year-old Albanian has only one full term under his belt in the Premier League on loan at Southampton last season where he impressed, scoring nine goals.
Aubameyang has a deal until 2025 at Barcelona although there is a chance to re-negotiate at the end of this season.
He played for Tuchel previously at Borussia Dortmund and the pair remain close.
Chelsea are reluctant to hand out long-term contracts to players over 30 and have encountered problems in the past with this.
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Defender David Luiz and winger Willian left as a result. Current captain Cesar Azpilicueta was tempted to leave in the summer when Barcelona offered him a longer contract than was on offer at Stamford Bridge, although he stayed in the end.
Chelsea and Barcelona are largely in agreement over Aubameyang with a fee of around £25m to be paid – but it now needs the player and the club to sort out terms.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
