Chelsea transfer news: Blues miss Aubameyang deadline

Chelsea's hopes of signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been dealt a blow after Borussia Dortmund's self-imposed deadline to complete a sale passed.

Aubameyang is one of a number of high profile strikers linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Diego Costa heads for the exit door following his very public bust-up with boss Antonio Conte, who yesterday signed a new two-year contract with the club.

But the Daily Mail, citing German newspaper Kicker as its source, says it is now too late for the Blues to land the Gabon goal machine because Dortmund had set a deadline by which to sell Aubameyang in order to give themselves time to find a replacement.

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Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke said on Sunday that they had given the striker, who has been at the club since 2013, "a few days" to make his mind up, and there has been no movement since then.

Chelsea would now have to make a massive bid of £100m to persuade Dortmund to consider a late sale, and their apparent failure to land a key target is indicative of the problems facing the Premier League champions. The new season begins in three weeks and the Blues remain without a first choice striker.

Aubameyang appeared for Dortmund in a friendly against Milan in Guangzhou on Tuesday and scored twice in a 3-1 victory. He also scored 31 league goals in 32 games last season.

Before the friendly, Dortmund manager Peter Bosz said: "As long as the transfer window is open there will be rumours and that will be the situation until the end of August."

There is more bad news for Chelsea fans because Manchester City are now reportedly ready to gazump their move for fullback Danilo.

Chelsea were hot favourites to sign the defender but the Daily Express, citing Spanish newspaper Marca as its source, reports City are ready to join the chase for the 26-year-old from Brazil who has become disillusioned with his lack of game time at Real Madrid.

On the plus side for worried Blues fans, manager Conte seems more settled at Stamford Bridge than he was at the start of the summer after reported disagreements with the board about transfer targets.

Chelsea have struggled to recruit during the transfer window, but Conte has signed a new two-year deal. It does not extend his contract but does give him a pay rise.