Chelsea have made significant progress in negotiations with Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and now expect to close a deal

The 33-year-old has been put up for sale by Barcelona, who are ready to cash in on the striker following the acquisition of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.

Thomas Tuchel is desperate to add to his frontline following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Barcelona had been demanding around £30m for Aubameyang, who they signed for free last January after Arsenal terminated his contract.

Chelsea are unwilling to meet Barcelona’s asking price but they are aware of the club’s interest in Alonso and the Athletic say a deal that will see the players switch clubs is close.

It’s claimed Chelsea will pay around £6.5m for Aubameyang, with Alonso moving to the Camp Nou to make up for the rest of Barcelona’s asking price.

Chelsea have offered Aubameyang a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

The initial contract would take Aubmeyang to the age of 35, while he would be 36 by the end of a three-year deal.

Chelsea are scrambling for further signings on deadline day, as Tuchel wants to reinforce his defence and central midfield.