Chelsea to push for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer as stop-gap to sign long-term target Christian Nkunku next summer

CHELSEA reportedly want to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a short-term option until Christian Nkunku is available.

The West London club reportedly met with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's agents to negotiate a move on Thursday.

The Blues are eager to bring the former Arsenal skipper, 33, back to the Premier League before the January transfer window closes.

Boss Thomas Tuchel coached Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund during two of the most prolific seasons of the forward's career.

And owner Todd Boehly is willing to get the chequebook out for a No9 following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

The Telegraph report that whilst Chelsea have stepped up their interest in the striker, their long-term hopes lie elsewhere.

Top target Nkunku is not available right now, due to agreeing to a contract extension with RB Leipzig.

Nkunku, 24, was one of European Football's most effective attackers last season as he scored 35 goals and created 19 in 50 appearances.

This strong form saw him linked with an £80million transfer to some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were all said to be interested in landing the Frenchman.

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However, these plans look to be on hold after RB Leipzig announced his two-year deal increase until 2026.

AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic are both also said to be future targets for the Blues.

Meanwhile, USA manager Gregg Berhalter has insisted Chrsitian Pulisic will fight his way into Tuchel's starting XI.

Despite concerns over game time, Berhalter has backed the American winger to force his way into the side before the World Cup in November.