Roma have reportedly set their sights on Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after being frustrated in their pursuit of other forwards.
According to Il Messaggero, the Serie A heavyweights have been priced out of moves for Torino attacker Alessio Cerci and Verona hitman Juan Iturbe, and have returned to their original idea of bidding for the Dortmund star.
The report claims Roma have taken encouragement from the face that the Bundesliga outfit have already significantly strengthened in the final third of the pitch and could be open to an offer which helps them balance the books.
It is not good news for Chelsea, as Football Express News understands the Blues remain keen on luring Aubameyang to west London.
A source close to Stamford Bridge told FEN they are keeping a close eye on developments in Germany and still hope to embark on an overhaul of their attacking options.
The lack of a natural goalscorer contributed to a trophy-less 2013-14 season and the imminent arrival of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid is unlikely to be their only addition up front.
Chelsea’s insider revealed they could yet offer midfielder Marko Marin as part of a swap deal for Aubameyang.
Marin is still on the fringes of the first-team and is unlikely to play a significant role next term, having been sent out on loan to La Liga club Sevilla last season.