CHELSEA have reportedly held positive talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the parties comfortably reaching a landing zone in contract negotiations.
There is said to be an increasing optimism at Chelsea and Barcelona that a deal can be done, but the Blues are not ready to reach Barcelona's £25m asking price.
Aubameyang is said to be regarded as a stopgap until next summer, when Chelsea will reportedly look to sign top target Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig.
It is also reported that Chelsea have agreed terms with Wesley Fofana, though are yet to reach an agreement with Leicester.
And we have all the latest on the Blues' pursuit of Anthony Gordon.
Get all the latest Transfer News here…
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- Kostas Lianos
Jan the man
Everton are ready to make a move for Adnan Januzaj if Chelsea complete the signing of Anthony Gordon.
Gordon has been the subject of bids from Chelsea who are willing to pay a reported £50million to sign the winger.
The Toffees are already lining up their replacement claims reporter Sacha Tavolieri and the club have identified Januzaj.
The Belgian is currently a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad on a free transfer at the end of last term.
Rumours suggest that the 21-year-old would be interested in a move to Everton after so far rejecting other proposals from European clubs.
He is believed to be keen on a Premier League comeback, the division his career began in when he burst onto the scene as a Manchester United youngsters back in 2013
- Kostas Lianos
'Right I stay'
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is hoping to avoid a touchline ban for Saturday's hosting of Wolves following his FA rap for clashing with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Conte and Tuchel were charged with improper behaviour after their bust-up at the end of Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if he expected to be in the dugout against Wanderers, the Italian tactician replied: “I hope so. I think that it's right, it's right to stay in my place.
“After this type of situation you can learn a lot but at the same time I think that for many situations I was really good to keep calm and didn’t have an excessive reaction in the situation”
Credit: Rex - Kostas Lianos
Not Auba yet
Chelsea want to sign Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a short-term option until RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku is available.
The Blues met with Aubameyang's agents to negotiate a move on Thursday.
According to The Telegraph, even though the West Londoners have stepped up their interest in the Barca striker, their long-term hopes lie elsewhere.
Top target Nkunku is not available right now, due to agreeing to a contract extension with Leipzig.
However, the playmaker's new deal contains a clause that allows him to leave for £51m next summer
- Kostas Lianos
Chelsea consider Gordon swap
Chelsea are willing to offer Everton Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuayi along with cash for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues have had two offers for Gordon rejected so far by the Toffees.
However, they're hoping the Merseysiders will be lured into selling Gordon by adding the out-of-favour duo into the proposal, according to Football Insider.
Gilmour and Batshuayi don't make Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel's plans
- Kostas Lianos
Fofana terms agreed
Leicester star Wesley Fofana has pleaded with the Foxes to let him join Chelsea.
Personal terms are set so it's all ready to go if the Blues can splash to cash and meet Leicester's terms.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Fofana has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, so the contract would be ready in case the two clubs find an agreement."
Leicester have turned down two bids from the Blues so far in the summer transfer window.
Fofana fears the West Londoners could be priced out for a move for him
- Kostas Lianos
Chelsea make Aubameyang offer
Chelsea have made an opening bid of £23million for Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
That is according to Barca insider Gerard Romero, who confirmed the Blues are going for Aubameyang ahead of transfer deadline day.
The Blaugrana are looking for around £25m – meaning the bid is likely to fall under serious consideration.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the ex-Arsenal star only wants to join the Blues instead of Manchester United.
Romano tweeted: "No negotiations between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Man United as things stand.
"It was ruled out days ago, Pierre is focused on Chelsea bid as he wants UCL football.
"New direct contacts on Thursday to discuss personal terms conditions"
Credit: Getty - Chisanga Malata
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea might force Manchester United to pay £58million if they want Christian Pulisic.
The Blues reportedly want the the full fee they paid Borussia Dortmund for the USA star, now 23, four years ago.
Elsewhere, Chelsea ace Callum Hudson-Odoi is set for a loan exit this month with Newcastle interested.
But the Blues will block any chances of the deal being made permanent next summer.
According to the Standard, new owner Todd Boehly has “pleaded” with Hudson-Odoi not to push for a permanent exit.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana has not told Leicester City he wants to leave the club.
The Blues have reportedly hashed out personal terms with Fofana.
But Foxes boss Rodgers claims Fofana hasn’t declared he wants to leave.
He said, via Fabrizio Romano: “Wesley Fofana has not submitted a transfer request.”
In other news, Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer Everton Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuayi along with cash for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues have had two offers for Gordon rejected by Everton.
However, they’re hoping the Toffees will be lured into selling Gordon by adding the out-of-favour duo into the proposal, according to Football Insider.
Finally, Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Trevor Chalobah leave on loan this summer.
The Blues have made a number of defensive signings in this transfer window.
Leaving Chalobah’s chances of first-team football looking slim next season.
A slew of clubs are interested in the youngster, but the Blues won’t let him leave on a permanent basis, according to The Athletic.
- Justin Lawrence
Chalobah loan move explored
Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Trevor Chalobah leave on loan this summer.
The Blues have made a number of defensive signings in this transfer window.
Leaving Chalobah's chances of first-team football looking slim next season.
A slew of clubs are interested in the youngster, but the Blues won't let him leave on a permanent basis, according to The Athletic.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea open to Gordon double swap
Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer Everton Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuayi along with cash for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues have had two offers for Gordon rejected by Everton.
However, they're hoping the Toffees will be lured into selling Gordon by adding the out-of-favour duo into the proposal, according to Football Insider.
- Justin Lawrence
Pulisic urged to join rivals
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has been urged to join Man United by Steve Nicol.
He said to ESPN: "It makes sense for Pulisic. It can only get better for you at Manchester United.
“He’s the type of player they need right now; somebody who will come in and give a bit of energy and a bit of excitement.
“If there is one thing Pulisic does, he gives energy. He looks like he wants to do well.
“I think absolutely this would give him a lift, and it would certainly help Manchester United out.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ref admits Cucurella error
Mike Dean has admitted he was WRONG not to urge referee Anthony Taylor to go to the pitchside monitor after Cristian Romero's hair pull on Marc Cucurella.
Harry Kane's stoppage-time equaliser handed Tottenham a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
But in the lead-up to the dramatic late goal, Spurs centre-back Romero could be seen yanking back Cucurella's frizzy hair – an action which the rules deem to be a red card offence.
Yet Dean, who hung up the whistle last season but remains an experienced pair of eyes in the VAR room, did not deem it to be violent conduct after reviewing the incident.
He told ref Taylor to play on and Kane subsequently headed in to salvage a point for the visitors.
And Dean has now conceded that it was his error which saw Romero go unpunished.
- Justin Lawrence
Souness questions Gordon value
Graeme Souness has questioned the exorbitant amount Chelsea plan to spend on Everton star Anthony Gordon.
He told talkSPORT: "It is a hell of a lot of money for a 21-year-old who’s played 50+ games.
"I think the young man is promising.
"But to spend £40m on someone who might not be a player is a big gamble.
"I think Chelsea's needs are in another area.
"Chelsea need a goalscorer through the middle to put them away for fun."
- Justin Lawrence
Aubameyang negotiations heat up
Chelsea's pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is gaining traction.
The Blues have been chasing the striker over the past few weeks.
And it seems talks are "heating up" between the club and player, according to football reporter Victor Navarro.
- Justin Lawrence
Pulisic plans Chelsea stay
Christian Pulisic will fight his way into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI despite concerns over game time, according to his USA boss.
Gregg Berhalter, the USA manager, has backed the American winger to force his way into Tuchel's side before the World Cup in November.
Speaking at an MLS event, Berhalter said: "He's a fighter, you're gonna see he's gonna get on the field.
"He may not be a starter, every year you hear that and every year he ends up on the field because of his contribution.
"He's a goalscorer. He's a winner.
"What I've seen from him in the last couple of years is his mentality has completely shifted and he embraces stuff like this.
"He's not scared of challenges like this and I'm excited to see how he performs this year."
- Justin Lawrence
Fofana hasn't asked to leave
Wesley Fofana has not told Leicester City he wants to leave the club.
The Blues have reportedly hashed out personal terms with Fofana.
But Foxes boss Rodgers claims Fofana hasn't declared he wants to leave.
He said, via Fabrizio Romano: "Wesley Fofana has not submitted a transfer request."
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea review alleged racism storm
Chelsea are investigating alleged racist abuse aimed at Son Heung-min during Sunday's London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The incident in question occurred when the South Korean went over to take a corner in the second half.
And the Spurs star received abuse from the Shed End as he took the set-piece.
Footage has emerged which appears to show a racist gesture aimed at the player.
On the incident, Chelsea released a statement vowing to take strong action against the individual in question.
- Justin Lawrence
Werner blames stratergy for exit
Timo Werner has blamed Thomas Tuchel's tactics as the reason why things didn't work out at Chelsea.
Werner returned to RB Leipzig this summer, and he claims Tuchel's strategy didn't compliment his style of play.
He said: "Of course, I had great success at Chelsea, but the fun got a bit lost in the end because I didn't play regularly anymore.
"I think the coach's system of play didn't suit me perfectly.
"That's why it was clear to me that I wanted to take a new step. I'm at an age where I want to play as much as I can."
- Alex Cole
Dortmund last chance for Ron exit
Borussia Dortmund is now seen as Cristiano Ronaldo’s last hope of a Manchester United exit, claim CBS Sports.
The report goes on to say that there is "no chance" of a move to Atletico Madrid or Chelsea.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea set to beat Man Utd to Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to leave Barcelona for Chelsea after a HUGE price slash this morning.
Manchester United's odds had dropped from 20/1 to 3/1 with Sky Bet to sign the former Arsenal skipper.
Sky Bet's market has since changed considerably and United are now doubled to 6/1, with Chelsea's odds dropping dramatically to 1/6.
The bookmakers price Barca at 7/1 to keep hold of the striker.
Nou Camp boss Xavi had poured cold water on Aubameyang departing the club this summer.
But now a £30million fee has been put on the 33-year-old, should Chelsea want to make their move.
Sky Bet odds:
- Chelsea 1/6
- Manchester United 6/1
- Stay at Barcelona 7/1
- Juventus 33/1
ICYMI – Kante injury update
Chelsea star N’Golo Kante faces a month out after hurting his hamstring in an inspirational display against Tottenham.
Kante is awaiting an MRI scan to see if he will miss up to FIVE Premier League games after the London derby.
The Blues fear the midfielder could sit out four weeks – missing matches against Leeds, Leicester, Southampton, West Ham and Fulham.
The West Londoners hope the France international will be back at the very latest for the home Premier League clash with Liverpool on September 18
More on Aubameyang
Aubameyang, who worked with Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, has been linked with a return to the Premier League just six months after leaving Arsenal.
The German gaffer is believed to be keen on a reunion with the ex-Gunners skipper at Stamford Bridge in his quest to sign a new striker.
He recently lauded the Gabon international where he stated that the pair have a "very close relationship".
The West London outfit are in the market for a new centre-forward having allowed Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner to leave this summer, leaving them with just Kai Havertz and Armando Broja up top.
- Alex Cole
EXCLUSIVE: Auba a 'great signing' for Chelsea, says Wright-Phillips
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be a great signing for Chelsea should they manage to prise him away from Barcelona, writes Jake Lambourne.
That is according to Blues cult hero Shaun Wright-Phillips who believes the 33-year-old will "suit" Thomas Tuchel's style of play.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport courtesy of bet365 on whether Aubameyang is the right choice, Wright-Phillips said: "Do you know what, I didn't think so at the start.
"But after watching them play at the [Spurs] game and the way Tuchel wants his team to play and after having conversations with [Gianfranco] Zola and [Glenn] Hoddle, it became clearer the reasons why Tuchel wants him.
"Aubameyang could definitely suit them, especially if he joins and scores goals.
"His mobility, the way he stays out on the left, never dropping too deep could suit Chelsea and can be someone they need.
"But I’m strong believer if you have a young talent there, why not put them in and give them a run of games.
"But I doubt that will happen until the transfer window shuts and they don't get anyone in."
- Alex Cole
No more loans for Gallagher
Conor Gallagher has no plans to go on loan again this season.
He spent last term with Crystal Palace, but he wants to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder told reporters: "No more loans for me, I want to show the manager what I can do.”
- Alex Cole
'Jim Ratcliffe is a Mancunian', says Mitten
Andy Mitten, editor of the United We Stand magazine, has spoken on Ratcliffe's potential takeover of the club.
And he insists the former Chelsea season ticket holder has always wanted to own United, despite bidding for the Blues.
He said, "Jim Ratcliffe is a Mancunian. His bid for Chelsea did surprise some.
"But I was told at the time :'That was a marker. That is to show that he's interested in buying a major football club.'"
- Alex Cole
Blues season ticket holder could buy Man Utd
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to buy Manchester United in a dramatic takeover.
But he revealed he was a Chelsea season ticket holder!
In the past, the billionaire has revealed he has zero interest in taking over the Red Devils, despite bidding for the Blues.
Ratcliffe once told the Times: "They are in quite a big pickle as a business.
"They haven't got the manager selection right, haven't bought well.
"They have been the dumb money, which you see with players like Fred."
Ratcliffe admitted that despite having a Chelsea season ticket for many years, he is actually a Manchester United fan.
He said: "I am a season ticket holder at Chelsea, have been for years, although I’m a Manchester United fan really.
"Or was!"
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