Thomas Tuchel has ‘close bond’ with reported target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted he will always have a “close bond” with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Tuchel refused to comment on the chances of Barcelona striker Aubameyang moving to Stamford Bridge, but admitted the Blues are still looking for further recruits.

The German did not shut down the links however, with the Blues understood to retain interest in the Gabon international.

Tuchel also did not comment on speculation over Leicester defender Wesley Fofana, with the Blues also understood to be continuing to push to prise the Frenchman away from the Foxes.

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.

“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.

Some players stay your players because you were very, very close. And Auba is one of those players- Thomas Tuchel on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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.”

Leicester have moved from insisting highly-rated Fofana was not for sale at all, to admitting that the right offer might prove too lucrative to reject.

Chelsea are expected