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Chelsea were scrutinised when they signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in the summer transfer window but, recently, they’ve certainly been getting bang for their buck. The Gabon international netted for the third game in a row in the Blues’ 2-0 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night, showing exactly why Todd Boehly was willing to agree to his arrival in the process. Now, the hopes are he can kick on and help the west London giants rediscover their swagger with Graham Potter at the helm…
Back in the summer, Chelsea looked at signing a number of different strikers as they sought a replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who was allowed to join Inter Milan on loan after a dire first season at Stamford Bridge.
Richarlison was linked, only for the Brazil international to end up leaving Everton for Tottenham instead.
Chelsea eyed a blockbuster deal for Erling Haaland too, having contemplated signing the Norway international before the return of Lukaku 12 months previously, but Manchester City ended up winning that transfer race.
And though Boehly was open to rescuing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, Thomas Tuchel’s reluctance ultimately led to any potential operation failing to materialise.
In the end, with Tuchel pressing for the arrival of Aubameyang from Barcelona, Boehly acted.
Chelsea have, essentially, taken a £28.32million punt on the Gabon international as they look to return to winning ways following last season’s issues.
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They paid £10m as a fee, committed to £832,000 in wages over the next two years and also allowed £10m-rated Marcos Alonso to move to the Nou Camp in the opposite direction.
At first, it looked as though Chelsea may have signed a dud.
Aubameyang was quiet as the Blues lost 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, in a defeat that ultimately triggered the sacking of Tuchel less than 24 hours afterwards.
And though he registered an assist against Red Bull Salzburg the following European matchday, it was still a match where he failed to score.
Since then, however, Aubameyang has managed three goals from as many matches – suggesting his signing could end up being a shewd one along the way.
He got up and running in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the start of the month, opening the scoring before Conor Gallagher’s late winner gave the Blues all three points.
And he’s now made it three goals for the season, with his late effort enough to help the Blues win their rematch with Milan on Tuesday night.
While he joined to play under Tuchel, who he’d previously performed under at Borussia Dortmund, it’s Potter who is now getting the best from the Gabon international.
His performances in recent weeks, certainly, suggest Boehly’s decision to sanction a deal has been money well spent.
And Chelsea will now be hopeful he can kick on and get even better as they look to continue winning trophies left, right and centre.
Aubameyang has already outscored Richarlison, who has netted just twice for Tottenham despite being there for longer following his summer switch from Everton.
And though Chelsea undoubtedly need a younger striker to lead the team in the future, Aubameyang has shown his class in the short time since his arrival.
Meanwhile, speaking after his side’s win in Milan, Potter praised Aubameyang for his recent heroics and insisted he must take the plaudits for his upturn in form.
“No, we’ve not done anything special, it’s all down to him,” said the former Brighton boss.
“He has been building his fitness up. We spoke before that he came from a difficult summer so it’s been a case of building up his match minutes up and the more he gets the stronger he gets, and the more we understand him the more he understands us.
“Everyone knows his quality and it’s great for him. He looks like he is enjoying his football and scoring goals is important.”
“I’ve been in football long enough to know that it’s hard to expect and predict football results.
“The important thing is the quicker you get to know the players the quicker you can build trust and understand them the better. But it is down to the guys, the players.
“They have really responded, been very honest and responsible and they want to do well.
“Our job is to try to help them and to try to help them enjoy their football.
“There is pressure and we want to win, but if they are enjoying their football there is quality in the team.”
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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has made clever £28.32m transfer call after AC Milan win – Express
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