Chelsea and Barcelona ‘reach verbal agreement’ over deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly reached a verbal agreement for the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the striker set to fly to London this afternoon to complete his switch.

The Blues’ bid is thought to be worth £6.5million and include out of favour left back Marcos Alonso heading to the Nou Camp. 

It’s thought Aubameyang has agreed terms on an initial two-year deal and he is now preparing to fly to London to put the finishing touches to his move before the 11pm transfer deadline.

Chelsea have booked a private plane to bring their new striker to London that will depart from Barcelona at 2:15pm

It appears Chelsea have hired a private jet to bring their new striker to London that will depart from Barcelona at 2:15pm.

Chelsea made a £15m bid to sign Aubameyang earlier this month, but look to have come to an agreement with the Catalan giants, crucially involving Alonso as part of the deal. 

Aubameyang’s move to the Blues was previously thought to have fallen through after the two sides had failed to come to an agreement, but Chelsea’s new offer would appear to be more to Barca’s liking. 

Barcelona are still keen on bringing in more faces to the Camp Nou, but must generate funds before doing so, with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva still on their perhaps ambitious wish list. 

The arrival of Robert Lewandowski this summer has seen Aubameyang’s playing time reduced

Thomas Tuchel’s need for a striker was highlighted in a 2-1 loss at Southampton on Tuesday

Having only arrived at the club in January, Aubameyang has already managed 13 goals and an assist in 24 games, but is now one of several players deemed surplus to requirements.

The 33-year-old took to social media after he was reportedly assaulted by a group of four men and threatened with firearms.

He posted: ‘Hey guys, thanks a lot for all the messages. On Sunday night, some violent cowards broke into our home and threatened my family and my children, just to steal some stuff.

‘They injured my jaw but I will recover in no time, and thank God no one else was physically harmed. 

‘The feeling that we are no longer safe in our own home is hard to understand and describe, but as a family, we will overcome this and stand stronger than ever.

‘Thanks for all the support, it really means a lot to us.’ 

Aubameyang sustained a small fracture to his jaw in the traumatic episode which is likely to keep him out for a number of weeks. 

He could opt for surgery but has been told allowing it to heal naturally will see quicker results.  

Aubameyang’s exit would certainly aid the Blaugrana in their pursuit of fresher faces – particularly if it facilitates the arrival of another of their targets in Alonso. 

In six years at Stamford Bridge the Spanish international defender has won six major honours, including the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup, scoring 29 times and assisting 23 more in 212 games. 

Marcos Alonso has enjoyed six trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea