Chelsea have 'meddled strongly' in race to appoint ex-Barcelona manager - Reports

Chelsea are reportedly strongly positioned in the race to appoint former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique. That comes as pressure is mounting on Blues boss Graham Potter.

The English coach succeeded Thomas Tuchel in the Stamford Bridge dugout in September last year. Despite a promising start, his side have faltered, sitting ninth in the league, losing seven of 21 games.

Chelsea's latest setback was a dull goalless draw with Fulham at home on Friday (February 3). Moans and groans have been common around the west London club throughout the season.

According to Fichajes, the Blues have meddled strongly in the race to appoint Enrique. However, Atletico Madrid are the club touted as favourites to lure the former Barcelona manager to the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Spaniard has been out of management since December last year after he resigned from his role as Spain manager. La Roja made a disappointing exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, losing 3-0 on penalties to Morocco in the last 16.

Enrique was lauded during his time in charge of the Blaugrana, leading the Blaugrana to the UEFA Champions League in 2015. He was also at the helm as they won back-to-back La Liga titles (2015 and 2016).

He oversaw 183 games at the Camp Nou, with Barcelona winning 138 of them. Enrique's proven European experience and success working with top talents such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez make him an enticing option.

For now, the Blues are seemingly sticking by Potter, as the Englishman was handed a five-year deal when he succeded Tuchel. However, if there's no improvement, given that the club have spent over £500 million since being taken over last May, they could move for Enrique.

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Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is leaving for Barcelona - Fabrizio Romano

Aubameyang looks set to leave the Blues in the summer.

Aubameyang left Barcelona for Chelsea on transfer deadline day during the summer. He joined the Blues for £10 million at a time when a centre-forward signing was vital. However, the Gabonese frontman has struggled at Stamford Bridge, scoring just three goals in 18 games across competitions.

He has been unable to replicate the impressive form he had with Barcleona during his seven months there, bagging 13 goals in 24 games. To exacerbate matters, he has been withdrawn from the west Londoners' UEFA Champions League squad to make room for new signings.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano expects Aubameyang to leave Chelsea in the summer. Barcelona are said to have attempted resigning their former forward in January. However, FIFA rules prohibited him from making a return to the Camp Nou, but the Blaugrana like the player and could return for him at the end of the season.