Transfer News: Chelsea plot Ousmane Dembele transfer after ending Serge Gnabry interest
According to the Spanish newspaper SPORT (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have identified Ousmane Dembele as a transfer target as they end their interest in signing Serge Gnabry. This update would be puzzling, to say the least, considering how both players have fared well over the past few years.
The Blues have put a stop to their pursuit to sign Gnabry to go “all-out” in their attempt to secure the services of Dembele. They have already contacted the latter’s camp to discuss the possibility of a move at the end of this season. The Barcelona winger has less than six months left in his current deal and could move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had tried to sign the La Liga ace in the final days of January, putting in an offer worth £8million for his services. However, the forward opted against joining us for two reasons – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s advice to stay and him not wanting the English club to spend any money. Perhaps, he could be looking to use the free transfer to net a signing on bonus in the coming summer.
Right choice?
It is baffling to see us going down this route, looking at how both these wingers have performed in the past few years at their respective clubs. The Bayern Munchen star has clearly been better, whereas the Frenchman has suffered from injuries throughout his time at Camp Nou.
Apparently, the difference in the cost involved in both these transfers is the reason which caused the West London side to go down this route. That is understandable in a financial sense, but on sporting terms, questions can be raised against the board’s decision.
The 26-year-old has scored 59 goals and 39 assists from 157 matches throughout his time with Bayern Munich. The Blaugrana attacker, on the other hand, has netted only 32 times while setting up his teammates 24 times since joining up with the Catalans.
Gnabry has been better than Dembele taking the stats into account, plus the latter’s injury history further makes the prospect of signing the German a safer bet. That being said, it is under Tuchel, the 24-year-old has been at his best during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
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Moreover, the free transfer opportunity could be a better prospect compared to the amount we have to part ways with to sign Gnabry. Then again, the uncertainty surrounding the former Arsenal man’s future at Allianz Arena should have been taken advantage of ahead of next summer.
Talks over an extension between Gnabry and the Bavarian side have come to a halt, which provided us with a great opportunity. But it seems we have decided to pursue Dembele in the end, so let’s hope that the management knows what they are doing as the summer transfer window draws close.