Chelsea are close to securing a stunning £65m deal to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports The Daily Mirror.
Antonio Conte’s side have been forced to re-think their transfer strategy after unexpectedly being beaten to the signature of Romelu Lukaku by Premier League rivals Manchester United.
It was thought Chelsea would turn their attentions to Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, but the Premier League champions are not willing to match Madrid’s huge €90m (£78.8m) valuation for the Spaniard and are now pursuing Aubameyang.
The Dortmund striker turned down the chance to move to China this summer but is intent on leaving the Bundesliga side, with Chelsea on course to shatter their club-transfer record to land the Gabon international.
Fernando Torres remains the most expensive player in the club’s history after Chelsea paid Liverpool £50m for the Spaniard back in January 2011, but they are reportedly willing to shell out £65m for Aubameyang as they look to find a replacement for Diego Costa.
The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the best goalscorers in Europe in the last few years but is now ready to leave Dortmund and make the next step in his career, although Peter Bosz’s side would be reluctant to see him go.
Only Lionel Messi (37) and Edinson Cavani (35) scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues last season than Aubameyang (31). However, only three players missed more clear-cut chances than the Dortmund ace last term (25).
For more stats on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
