Chelsea optimistic over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; Marcos Alonso talks back on
Chelsea believe they will soon strike a deal with Barcelona to sign striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 90min understands, and talks have reignited over left-back Marcos Alonso moving in the opposite direction.
Personal terms have already been agreed between both players and their respective suitors, but the Blues' initial bid of £15m plus Alonso was rejected as Barcelona had concerns over their ability to register the Spaniard.
Indeed, talks over Alonso's potential move to Camp Nou were put on hold as Barcelona felt they may not be able to clear the salary needed to include the 31-year-old in their squad, but sources have confirmed to 90min that talks over a transfer are back on.
It is understood that negotiations for both Alonso and Aubameyang are being kept separate.
Chelsea are expected to agree to a deal worth around £25m for 33-year-old Aubameyang, who has already given the green light to a move to Stamford Bridge and has been waiting for the two clubs to agree on a fee.
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Meanwhile, talks over a £5m move to Barcelona for Alonso have reignited and sources close to Chelsea have told 90min that there is a belief that both deals will go through before the transfer window closes.
Alonso has not featured in a matchday squad for Chelsea this season after manager Thomas Tuchel decided early in the window that he would be prepared to offload the Spaniard, who has since seen Marc Cucurella take his place in the team.
Barcelona have long been keen to bring Alonso in, as they were with fellow Blues defender Cesar Azpilicueta before he signed his contract extension, and there is now a renewed sense of hope that the left-back will be on his way to Camp Nou in the coming days.