Because he and the Gabonese star were close friends, Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel claimed that Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of his players for life.

Tuchel clarified that he and the former captain of Arsenal share a close relationship.

Tuchel coached Aubameyang when the two of them were teammates at Borussia Dortmund in the past.

Aubameyang, however, has been linked with a summer transfer to Chelsea, where he would reunite with Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

It was a pleasure, Tuchel said in his pre-game press conference on Friday before Chelsea's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Auba is one of those players who stays your player because you were so close. There was this close relationship even when we played against him with Arsenal.

Tuchel responded, "We could strengthen our squad in depth," when asked if Chelsea would bring in another forward this summer. You can only wish for something, but it is also possible to achieve.

"We are seeking top personalities and top quality."