Transfer News: Chelsea take a further hit in efforts to capture Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele over a potential renewal deal.
Even though the Blues currently have a number of wide players, they would want to improve their offensive options for the upcoming season. Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, and Hakim Ziyech’s disappointing performances don’t do the Blues any favours either.
Several players, including Raphinha, Raheem Sterling, and even Cristiano Ronaldo, have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. But the deal involving Dembele appeared to have the potential to succeed.
The Frenchman’s contract with Barcelona expired at the end of the previous month, making him a free agent. From his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, Tuchel is well acquainted with the player, and a transfer was hotly anticipated.
However, it is believed that Barcelona met Dembele’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, on Saturday and the meeting turned out to be a huge success in the Catalan team’s intention of keeping the youngster.
Both parties make a significant advancement that may leave the Blues stranded. Mateu Alemany, the director of Barca, is close to approving a renewal and currently holds all the cards. Barca manager Xavi would be happy to know the recent development as he made a personal plea for the Frenchman to stay at the club.
Thomas Tuchel would know all about the Frenchman’s raw talent. Before making a lucrative move to Barcelona, the former Borussia Dortmund star spent a season playing under Tuchel in Germany.
The French winger’s time at Camp Nou has been hampered by injury. Their fans have grown disgruntled with his lack of consistency, which is largely down to his injury issues. He is brilliant, of course, but if he isn’t available for selection, then there is nothing anyone can do about it.
The Frenchman was one of Barcelona’s top productive players last season and assisted 13 goals, giving hints of what he can do. He can play on either wing thanks to his skill with both feet, and the west London club can benefit a lot from this level of versatility.
Dembele is a guy who can offer pace and skill in the attacking third to the team in place of players like Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech who have failed to make a massive impact at the club. Additionally, the Frenchman’s dribbling skills can challenge any defensive line.
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Dembele is one of the best on his days, but his injuries make him a dangerous acquisition for the Blues even if they manage to obtain him for nothing.
