Alonso to Barcelona is done as Aubameyang gets closer to Chelsea

To begin with, let’s quickly examine Chelsea team news before facing Southampton. Following injury issues and suspension, the lineup is harder to predict. First of all, there is further majorly disappointing news because star defender Reece James is set to miss out on the outing. James has not travelled to the South Coast with the rest of the Blues squad, according to football.london. The England international is a huge loss for the west Londoners, having started every mach of the current campaign and adding goal contributions in the process. There is no information stating what caused the 22-year-old’s absence.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Cesar Azpilicueta will likely replace James at right wingback or right centreback, if Thomas Tuchel continues with a three-centreback system. Kalidou Koulibaly will undoubtedly rejoin his teammates in defence. Marc Cucurella could make a move backwards to the left-side of the trio. If Thiago Silva doesn’t need a rest, he’ll start. Ben Chilwell is unlikely to begin another important EPL clash on the substitute’s bench. If reports are to be believed, Billy Gilmour might perhaps partner Jorginho in the middle of the park. I imagine Christian Pulisic will be offered a rare start, as Kai Havertz has underwhelmed overall. Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling will complete the flexible front three.

Marcos Alonso transfer to Barcelona is done as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gets closer to Chelsea move

The Chelsea attacking triad has not quite found form, with Mount struggling to find his typically astounding composure and blinding technique in front of goal. Sterling has now found his goalscoring boots and may become a real threat, just like he was for Manchester City. Whilst the Germany national team representative is probably more effective elsewhere in the eleven in generally.

So reinforcements, or a literal main man, are still required. Tuchel had given ambiguous answers when asked about an incoming striker. Yet it is obvious that the Blues have actively sought a proven centreforward, due to the calibre of journalists making the claim. Nevertheless, with two whole days remaining in the transfer window, nothing is certain.

Speaking of reliable sources, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that talks are being held between Chelsea and Barcelona regarding a potential switch back to England for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. A previous Arsenal fan favourite, Aubameyang will split opinion with the CFC faithful. Until he starts banging in the goals, that is!

Romano says the structure of the ‘final fee’ is under discussion, meaning progress is being made. Adding that the prospective deal is at a key stage.

As a side note, Pride of London would like to wish ‘Auba’ and his family well after an awful ordeal. He was allegedly ‘threatened with firearms and iron bars’ in what has been described as ‘an armed robbery’ at his Spanish home.

Finally we get to Marcos Alonso. Arguably the worst kept secret of the summer is that he was exiting Fulham Road. And Barca are his longtime probable suitors. Well, interestingly, Gerard Romero declares that the transfer to Spain is ‘100 per cent done’. In that case, PoL also wishes the Spaniard well in his new endeavour.