Chelsea On Red Alert After Thomas Tuchel's Ousmane Dembele Request, Decision On Barcelona Future Imminent

Thomas Tuchel has told Chelsea he wants to bring Ousmane Dembele to Stamford Bridge this summer, with his future set to become clearer later this week, according to reports.

The 25-year-old's contract at Barcelona expires next week on 30 June and is yet to agree a new deal with the Catalan giants, which sees him near an exit from the club he joined back in 2017 for an initial £96.8 million.

Dembele has an offer on the table from Barcelona but it's not believed to be of interest to Dembele, who appears to be on the verge of an exit after five seasons.

Chelsea have been monitoring the winger and as reported by Ben Jacobs, Thomas Tuchel has informed Chelsea of his desire to bring Dembele to the club this summer, to reunite with him following their time at Borussia Dortmund together.

The Blues head coach was full of praise for Dembele, who they were linked with in January.

"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."

Although some concern has been expressed over Dembele's injury record, Chelsea are still interested and have been given a boost with the report also stating that PSG have not yet advanced their interest and a transfer to France not being an option for Dembele.

Barcelona, who have become frustrated with the lack of communication, aren't likely to improve their contract offer which sets up a move to Stamford Bridge.

Dembele was asked by a fan recently about his future and links to Chelsea. He insisted he was "fine in Barcelona", refusing to give away much on his future with a decision imminent.

With his contract expiring next week, Dembele's future is likely to become more clearer at some point this and Chelsea will be bracing themselves on whether or not he decides to stay at, or leave Barcelona.

Todd Boehly, co-controlling owner, is finalising the exit of Romelu Lukaku before bringing in any new additions this summer, with Jules Kounde and Raheem Sterling of interest to the Blues as they eye a rebuild ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Deals are now being led by Boehly as the departures of Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia are imminent.

Buck will leave his role as Chairman on 30 June, it has been confirmed, while Granovskaia is reported to be departing imminently.

"Bruce has led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football, while also developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport," penned Boehly on Buck's exit at the end of the month.

"We thank Bruce for his service and his commitment to the Club.”

Tuchel is being given more control over transfers amid a £200 million budget and will be hoping to have his wish of bringing Dembele to west London granted.