Chelsea Prepare Summer Move for Spurs Striker Target - Report

Chelsea are considering a move for Tottenham Hotspur target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to the Daily Star. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for Saint-Etienne in the French league, clocking 14 goals and six assists in 25 league appearances.

The report suggests Roman Abramovich may have finally given up on Spanish international Fernando Torres ever coming good for the Blues and repaying his £50m transfer fee. The club signed Senegal international Demba Ba in January, to replace the outgoing Daniel Sturridge and Gabonese Aubameyang could add to a new-look attacking line-up for next season.

The Star believes Abramovich has already opened negotiations with the French club over a £13m summer transfer, and there is interest from Newcastle United as well. The former AC Milan youngster has admitted he was aware of interest from clubs in the January window - Sky Sports reported that both Manchester clubs and two Italian clubs were in the race - but ruled out a mid-season transfer.

"I want to leave with everyone happy," the forward told French magazine Vert Foot, "I will not leave in this January window. There is contact with the two Manchester clubs and also clubs in Italy, especially Fiorentina and another big Italian club."

Mikel Wants West Brom Win Ahead of North London Derby

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has stressed the importance of a win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The Blues host the Baggies and former coach Steve Clarke in a league match that could see them return to third and put pressure on Spurs in the race for that position. AVB and his men host north London rivals Arsenal in a derby on Sunday and the Nigerian believes Tottenham may drop points at White Hart Lane.

"Obviously Arsenal and Tottenham are playing on Sunday so they have a difficult derby and one of those teams will drop points, but we can't afford to worry about that. We have our own job to do and we're focused on beating West Brom and getting three points. We're then in a strong position and can sit back and watch that on Sunday," Mikel explained.