Chelsea increase transfer bid for Barcelona forward, deal could be wrapped up today

With only three days left before the transfer window closes, there could be significant movement at Barcelona over the coming hours.

Both incomings and outgoings are expected, with the Catalans keen on offloading one or two players to ensure smooth registration of any players that they sign. And, one player who seems to be close to the exit doors is star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The former Arsenal captain has been heavily linked with a return to London this summer, with Chelsea interested. Talks over a deal have been ongoing for a while but an agreement was yet to be reached as Barça had knocked back their initial offer of €15 million.

However, according to Moi Llorens and Samuel Marsden of ESPN, Barcelona and Chelsea could finalise an agreement for the transfer of Aubameyang by today, with the striker now on the verge of a return to the Premier League.

The report insists that Barça continue to hold out for at least €20 million for Aubameyang. But, Chelsea, who were reported to be having second thoughts about a move for the striker, have upped their offer to €17 million.

A meeting will be held between the two parties later today and an agreement is expected to be reached as both teams are keen to get the deal over the line.

Chelsea’s attempts to include Barcelona left-back target, Marcos Alonso, as part of the Aubameyang operation had held up negotiations.

However, as per the report, the Spaniard’s deal is now being treated as a separate entity, with the veteran likely to cost around €5 million. And the Blaugrana will make efforts to close his signing as well before the window slams shut.

Today’s meeting between Barcelona and Chelsea will be crucial in defining the future of Aubameyang and, at this point, the 33-year-old, who was the victim of a violent robbery at his home earlier this week, seems likely to return to London.