Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele, with the winger still not accepting a contract renewal offer in Spain.
This comes as the 25-year-old’s current deal at the Camp Nou expires at the end of the season.
The Blues have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of the star, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta delivering an update on his future.
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As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said: "We made our bid - he has a proposal on the table, but he has not accepted it. No answer yet.”
This comes after it was reported that Thomas Tuchel’s side are ‘hopeful’ of sealing a deal for the Frenchman.
Dembele is said to be a ‘prime target’ for Chelsea as their head coach looks to be reunited with the player, who he coached during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
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When speaking on the links in January, Tuchel shared his thoughts on Dembele, who made 49 appearances under the German in their previous season together.
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."
Tuchel is ‘convinced’ that Chelsea should do all in their power to bring Dembele to Stamford Bridge this summer as the new owners want to make ‘bold signings’.
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Tuchel has been promised control of transfers by Todd Boehly and Dembele would signal his intent to rebuild the Chelsea squad, bringing in his own players.
The German has signed Romelu Lukaku, Saul Niguez (on loan) and Marcus Bettinelli during his time at Stamford Bridge.
It looks like Lukaku will be on his way out of Chelsea this summer, with Saul returning to Atletico Madrid and Bettinelli being used as a third choice goalkeeper.
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Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner could all leave with the Blues ready to listen to offers for the attacking trio as they look to make space in the squad for incomings this summer.
Petr Cech, Chelsea's Performance and Technical Advisor, hinted at a busy summer for the Blues, which could involve Dembele making the switch to London.
"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."
Topics: Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele, Football
Nick Emms