Chelsea step up talks with Barcea in pursuit of ex-Arsenal hitman Aubameyang

Chelsea had further talks regarding a move for Barcelona's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the weekend.

The ex-Arsenal star has scored 11 goals in 13 starts since joining the Catalan giants in January but has now fallen down the pecking order following the club's £42.5million purchase of Robert Lewandowski.

Chelsea were plotting to launch a bid for the Gabon striker earlier this week, keen to plug their void in attack following Romelu Lukaku's loan return to Inter Milan.

Barcelona, who have been astonishingly active in the transfer market this summer despite their financial complications, are eager to offload high-earning squad players in a bid to free up funds.

Xavi is keenly pursuing Manchester City's Bernardo Silva but will likely have to sell the likes of Aubameyang and Frenkie de Jong to bring in the midfielder.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel developed a positive relationship with the 33-year-old forward at Borussia Dortmund and would like to add a proven goal-scorer to his Chelsea ranks.

It is believed Aubameyang is not actively pursuing a Barcelona exit, having rediscovered his goal-scoring touch since joining LaLiga.

Were a deal struck between the two European giants, Aubameyang would mark Todd Boehly's sixth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Gabriel Slonina and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Chelsea drew 2-2 with Spurs in Sunday afternoon's fiery and dramatic London derby at Stamford Bridge and sit seventh in the Premier League as a result.