Ousmane Dembele.(Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)
According to popular Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have been handed a blow in their pursuit of French winger Ousmane Dembele with the 25-year-old winger closing in on a contract renewal with Barcelona.
Chelsea’s interest in the Barcelona man has been going on for a while. Now, it appears as if this saga is finally drawing to a close with Ousmane Dembele closing in on a contract renewal with Spanish giants Barcelona.
The player has agreed to the terms of the contract and it is now up to Barcelona to give the green light. This comes after his last contract expired, which rendered him a free agent.
This would effectively end all speculation surrounding Chelsea’s pursuit of the French winger. Any new deal would mean strong control for Barca over the Frenchman’s future and the Blues would know that.
On his day, Dembele is a sensational player capable of turning any game around single-handedly. He can tear apart any defence in the world and as we all know, he is one of the most naturally talented players going around in European football.
However, over the years, injuries have meant that his performances have not been at the levels expected of a player of his quality. It is only in the last six months that the Frenchman seems to have turned over a new leaf.
His performances for Xavi Hernandez have been exceptional and he was at his playmaking best during the second half of last season. Dembele, in 32 games for Barcelona across all competitions this season, has scored two goals and provided 13 assists.
If Chelsea were to pursue a deal for the Frenchman, he would have been a terrific acquisition for them, especially on a free transfer. He would have been a versatile option in attack- one who can create as well as score- reuniting with Thomas Tuchel in the process.
However, it does seem like that’s not going to happen and that the Frenchman is set to stay in Barcelona. It may not be the worst thing for us, especially considering his less than favourable injury record. For all we know, we may be dodging a bullet with Dembele.
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