Transfer News: Chelsea receive boost in Ousmane Dembele pursuit
According to transfer news from Caught Offside, Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Ousmane Dembele.
The Barcelona star’s representatives are pushing for a move away from the club and they are delaying any contract talks with the Catalan club. Manchester United are also said to be after him.
The 23-year-old joined Barcelona in 2017 for big money but has not shown a consistent run of performances. Both injuries and inconsistency have seen him struggle to produce his best on a regular basis. With his contract expiring in 2022, Barcelona are running out of time to renew his deal.
While Dembele has had his share of injury problems and was almost heading out of the club last summer, he has managed to turn things around this season.
Amidst Barcelona’s upturn in form, Dembele has been a central part, scoring 10 goals and assisting 4 in 38 appearances. However, it could all be in vain for Barcelona as they could lose the player next season if they cannot extend his contract.
The Blues haven’t entirely replaced the talismanic Eden Hazard even though they have spent on wingers like Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech. The new recruits have only started to perform better in recent games as Chelsea have struggled to score and create goals at a better rate.
More Chelsea News
- Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech reveals dressing room mood after FA Cup triumph over Manchester City
- Zinedine Zidane hints Eden Hazard can play for Real Madrid against Chelsea in latest injury update
- Transfer News: Leeds United and Manchester City interested in Chelsea target Nicolas Tagliafico
With options open to Dembele at this point, it is easy to see why he is stalling on a new deal. That is putting pressure on Barsenal and benefitting clubs like Chelsea who are after him.
While Tuchel has switched to a back-three since taking over, there is still the need for attacking reinforcements. Dembele may be a good punt given the form he is in.
