Manchester United are plotting to hijack Chelsea’s deal to sign Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are in talks with Barcelona over a potential transfer, with the Catalan club hoping to sign Marcos Alonso from Chelsea in a partial swap deal.
Barcelona are looking to secure a fee in the range of €25m (£21m) to €28m (£23m) for the 33-year-old Gabon international.
United are now battling against Chelsea to sign Aubameyang, according to The Sun, although they face a “great challenge” to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side are bottom of the Premier League table for the first time in 30 years after losing their first two games of the season and are desperate for a new striker, with question marks over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Aubameyang only joined Barcelona in January following his controversial departure from Arsenal, who had his contract terminated after his falling out with manager Mikel Arteta over disciplinary misconduct.
The former Gunners captain enjoyed a reputation-restoring second half last season in which he scored 13 goals in all competitions, but his future at Barcelona suddenly became uncertain.
Barcelona’s perilous financial situation, combined with the high-profile arrival of Robert Lewandowski, has been a game-changer for Aubameyang, just over six months after joining Camp Nou.
Barcelona – who have yet to register new centre-back Jules Kounde due to financial problems – are said to be keen to offload the striker, with the terms of his contract meaning he is now on a much higher salary this season than it was not in the previous campaign.
Barcelona are around £1billion in debt but they are among the biggest spenders in Europe this summer, signing the likes of Kounde, Raphinha and Lewandowski.
Aubameyang is seen as a key player who could raise funds for the team, while Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay could also leave.
MORE: Barcelona demand Chelsea player in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang negotiations
MORE: Xavi provides update on Frenkie de Jong after Barca star ‘told his team-mates he was joining Man Utd’
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