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Barcelona expecting Chelsea offer for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this week

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou - Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou - Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Barcelona are expecting an official bid from Chelsea for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following talks between the clubs. And Everton are waiting to see if the London club test their resolve on Anthony Gordon.

It is understood that Barcelona want £21 million for Aubameyang with talks expected to intensify this week after Chelsea’s need for a goalscorer was again highlighted in the London derby draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea produced a superb performance that delighted head coach Thomas Tuchel, but his team still missed a number of clear chances that would have seen off the threat of Spurs snatching a draw.

Tuchel has made Aubameyang his top target and Chelsea’s new owners have already demonstrated a desire to back the German this summer.

With no obvious alternatives in the position, Chelsea are focussing most of their attention on Aubameyang in their search for a striker.

It remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are willing to meet Barcelona’s valuation given the Spanish club signed Aubameyang on a free transfer from Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window.

Following a public holiday in Spain on Monday, when most offices and businesses were shut, Barcelona expect to receive greater clarity from Chelsea on Aubameyang by the end of the week.

Barcelona are happy with Aubameyang and the player is settled in Spain, but the club could be forced to cash in on him to relieve financial pressures and allow them to register new players.

Aubameyang will listen to an offer for Chelsea if they can agree a fee with Barcelona, but will not push for a return to London and is relaxed about his future.

Chelsea have expressed an interest in Everton midfielder Gordon and held informal talks around making a bid in the region of £40m for the England Under-21 international.

But Everton value Gordon at more than £50m and are now waiting to find out whether or not their resolve will be seriously tested in the coming days.

Chelsea rate Gordon and believe there could be an opportunity to steal a march on clubs who could make a move for him in future, but may regard a fee in excess of £50m as being too pricey for the 21-year-old.

Chelsea will hold more talks with Leicester City over defender Wesley Fofana, but it remains to be seen whether Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was excellent in the draw with Spurs, has done enough to convince Tuchel that he does not need another right-back.

Loftus-Cheek filled in at right wing-back, where he has played on a number of occasions now, with Reece James starting on the right of a back three and the move paid off for Chelsea.

Chelsea hope to add 19-year-old midfielder Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan to their list of summer signings for around £12m.

West Ham United have opened talks with Chelsea over a £13m move for left-back Emerson Palmieri, who spent last season on loan at Lyon.