Chelsea are believed to be ‘hopeful’ of signing Ousmane Dembele as a free agent from Barcelona during the summer, according to reports.
After half a decade at the Nou Camp, Dembele is set to depart the Catalan side on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract, having joined from Borussia Dortmund back in 2017.
He has made 150 appearances for the La Liga outfit during that time, but much of his career at the club was hampered by injuries.
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However he could soon be reunited with Thomas Tuchel this summer, with the duo working together at Dortmund before they both departed the club five years ago.
According to 90min, Chelsea are ‘hopeful’ that they will be able to sign the 25-year-old winger on a free transfer this summer.
Dembele is said to be a ‘prime target’ for the Blues this summer as they prepare to try and close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League next season.
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The French international netted two goals and provided 13 assists for Barcelona in the season just gone, although he missed a good chunk of their fixtures through injury.
He was even speculated to be joining Chelsea on a loan deal back in January but he stayed in Spain for the remainder of the campaign.
When speaking on the links earlier on in the year Tuchel shared his thoughts on the player, who made 49 appearances under the German at Dortmund.
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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 also ‘convinced’ that should Chelsea sign Dembele in the summer, he would be able to get the best out of him at Stamford Bridge.
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The Blues are set for a busy transfer window in the coming weeks, with the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium recently completing their takeover of the club.
It has been reported that they want to make ‘bold signings’ during their first window at Stamford Bridge as they look to compete on multiple fronts once again next season.
Tuchel is also set to be given around £200 million to spend in the market this summer, with the boss now entering his second full season as manager.
Topics: Ousmane Dembele, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona
Robert Calcutt