24-year-old attacker on Chelsea’s radar likely to seal PL transfer in January

Transfer News: Ousmane Dembele inclined to move to the Premier League in January amid Chelsea interest

According to Lyall Thomas (h/t The Sun), Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele is set to choose a Premier League club as his next destination if he leaves Barcelona in the winter transfer window. 

Ousmane Dembele‘s relationship with Barcelona has deteriorated lately. The Frenchman hasn’t signed a contract extension despite knowing that he will be a free agent in the summer. However, the Catalan club doesn’t want to lose Dembele for free and have already asked him to renew his contract or find a new club in the ongoing transfer window. 

Dembele’s agents are believed to be in the process of finding the best solution for their client. However, Barcelona have made their stance clear regarding the player’s future, and if he doesn’t choose any of the two aforementioned options, then Xavi has threatened to keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. 

Now, it is believed that Dembele is most likely to choose a Premier League club if he leaves the Catalan outfit in the January transfer window. Even though Newcastle made a lucrative offer for the World Cup winner not long back, they haven’t found a solution to manage his humongous wages.

Manchester United are believed to be leading in the race for the signature of the 24-year-old, but Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the situation. If a permanent deal doesn’t materialize, then a loan option seems like the most likely outcome.

Do Chelsea need Dembele?

Dembele has missed the last two games due to his contract stand-off with the board. He has only played in 11 games this campaign. And this isn’t a one-off as well, as those who follow his career would know about his fitness issues during his time at Camp Nou. 

How Dembele’s body would react after moving to the Premier League remains to be seen. He is of a suitable age profile, but it is also arguable if we need any more wingers when a talented youngster like Callum Hudson-Odoi is already struggling for consistent game time.

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Moreover, there would be financial implications of the deal as well.

All in all, it is better if we steer clear of the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace and focus our time and energy on strengthening positions that really need attention, such as defence.