‘Everything seems to indicate’ that Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele will sign for Chelsea this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The 25-year-old is set to leave the Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Previous reports stated that Chelsea were handed a boost in their pursuit of the talented winger as he had still not given an answer to Barcelona, as was confirmed by their president Joan Laporta.
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"We made our bid - he has a proposal on the table, but he has not accepted it. No answer yet,” he said when asked about the Barcelona forward.
Tuchel shared his thoughts on Dembele, who made 49 appearances under the German in their previous season together, back in January when Chelsea were linked with a move, previously hinting at a potential move this summer.
And now Sport have reported that it appears he will be joining Chelsea for the upcoming campaign.
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Chelsea are ‘in the lead’ for the French international, who is yet to make a public decision on his future after months of uncertainty.
The report continues to state that ‘everything seems to indicate’ Dembele will be joining Chelsea this summer.
Furthermore, the ‘situation is close to being revealed’ ahead of his contract expiry at the Camp Nou.
Dembele’s current deal is up at the end of June, with the Blues looking to be his most likely destination.
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Thomas Tuchel is thought to be ‘crucial’ in the deal, wanting to be reunited with his former player after the pair spent a successful season together at Borussia Dortmund in the past.
He said: “He is a very good player when he is in his top level. I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund.
“It was only one year, it should have been longer. I needed to leave and he decided to leave."
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Tuchel has been promised control of transfers by Todd Boehly and the new Chelsea ownership and Dembele would signal his intent to rebuild the Chelsea squad, bringing in his own players, which appears to be on the verge of happening.
The signing of Dembele could see the summer plans kick-started, with Chelsea’s Performance and Technical Advisor expecting a busy summer ahead.
"It will be (a busy summer for Chelsea following new owners' arrival). Of course we plan, prepare, and be as strong as we can next season,” he admitted.
It remains to be seen as to who will arrive through the doors at Stamford Bridge, but Dembele appears to be closing in on a reunion with Tuchel.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona, Thomas Tuchel
Nick Emms