Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted he will always have a “close bond”
with transfer target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The German did not shut down the links with the 33-year-old, with the Blues ready to sign the Gabon international if Barcelona allow him to leave this month.
Tuchel managed Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund and admitted he still harbours strong regard for him.
“This is totally separate from anything that is happening now, but I enjoyed a lot working with Auba while I was at Dortmund,” said Tuchel.
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“Some players stay your players because you were very, very close. And Auba is one of those players.
“There was always straight away this close bond. They always stay your players in a way.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta forced the issue that led to Aubameyang’s switch to Barcelona last season, after a string of disciplinary issues and a clear falling out.
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The Good Morning Transfers panel explain why Aubameyang has ‘unfinished business’ in the Premier League after his spell at Arsenal and discuss whether or not he would have an impact at Chelsea
In stressing his strong relationship with Aubameyang in Germany, Tuchel added: “I experienced no issues with him, but this has nothing to do with the situation in Arsenal, about which I will also not comment out of respect.
“In Dortmund there was never an issue.”
Meanwhile, Arteta has defended removing Aubameyang as Arsenal captain last season but hopes he gets a good reception from Gunners fans if he joins Chelsea.
“It’s a long time since that happened, I can’t go back when there’s another series,” Arteta said of the Aubameyang captaincy saga ahead of Saturday’s game against Leicester.
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Following the release of Amazon’s documentary on Arsenal ‘All or Nothing’, Mikel Arteta reflects on the decision to strip Aubameyang of the captaincy, with the Gabonese forward also linked with a move to Chelsea
“I was clear and honest in my opinion. What has been done is to defend our club and be as clear, honest as we can.
“Auba is an exceptional player, he did so much for us and we have to be grateful for what he did for this club.
“I hope he does [get a good reception from Arsenal fans] because he deserves that. There are moments in your career, where the trajectory of the individual is different to the club.”
Tuchel refuses to comment on Fofana
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With Aubameyang, Frenkie de Jong and Wesley Fofana all heavily linked to Chelsea, could Tuchel have three new additions before the end of the transfer window?
Tuchel also did not comment on speculation over Leicester defender Wesley Fofana, with the Blues having had two bids rejected for the Frenchman.
Chelsea are still some distance away in their valuation of Fofana with their second bid for the 21-year-old worth around £60m, but Leicester are only interested in an offer close to the record fee paid for a defender – the £80m that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire three years ago.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that Chelsea are preparing a bigger offer in the coming days which will be much closer to Leicester’s valuation.
Tuchel has made Fofana a transfer priority this summer, but Leicester do not want to sell him, and feel his value will only increase in the next few years.
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Cesar Azpilicueta talks through what has been an unusual summer and how he is happy to still be at Chelsea
Leicester will be increasingly reluctant to sell as the transfer deadline approaches.
Asked about Fofana, Tuchel replied: “I will not comment. We could use one more central defender, if you look at the numbers, given the fact at the moment we play with a back three.
“And the profile of the guys in the back three is a little bit different I admit, we’re playing with Cesar Azpilicueta who is more of a full-back in the back three, and Marc Cucurella similar in the back three.
“But they are not central defenders, so we could do with one more, but let’s see what happens.
“I think we could use and strengthen our squad in strength and depth, in both, but it’s one thing you wish for and what’s possible.
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Michael Bridge looks ahead to the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea on Sunday and analyses where the match could be won and lost
“It needs to be possible, we’re looking for top quality, personality and good characters.
“You don’t always get what you wish for, that’s why we’re calm and ambitious at the same time. But there are still quite a few days to go until the end of the transfer window.”
‘Alonso finalising Barca transfer’
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Gary Neville explains why he remains unsure on how well Chelsea will do this season
Tuchel also confirmed Marcos Alonso will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, while trying to finalise his transfer to Barcelona.
“Marcos is not in training at the moment and tries to finalise his transfer,” said Tuchel. “So he will not be available.
“Mateo Kovacic also has issues with his knee, so we decided to take a step back, increase training time and have no more reaction, but he will be missing.”
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1?
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
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