Ottmar Hitzfeld hopes Borussia Dortmund can keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is scouring Europe for a new forward as he looks to replace Diego Costa this summer.
The Blues have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund star Aubameyang for £70m.
Hitzfeld, who won the Champions League and two Bundesliga titles as Dortmund boss in the 1990s, admits he could see the star striker leaving for one of Europe's biggest clubs.
He told T-Online: "He is a top striker, with [Robert] Lewandowski the best in the Bundesliga.
"It would be a pity if he went to China, because it is not sporty, but only to make money. If he goes to a top European club, this is more understandable."
He added: "I wish that Dortmund will remain firm, insist on the contract and not let him go. He would be a huge loss for the Bundesliga."