Transfer News: Chelsea are monitoring a move of Barcelona and France winger Ousmane Dembele
Chelsea are said to be monitoring a move for Barcelona and France winger Ousmane Dembele, ahead of the January transfer window. French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the former Borussia Dortmund man.
The Blues have been linked with the 25-year-old for some time now and missed out on him in the summer when the winger was a free agent. He however penned a new deal with the Spanish club, extending his stay till 2024.
However, now Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Football. London) claim that the Frenchman has a release clause of €50 million which will become active in the summer. This could provide a boost to Chelsea in their pursuit of the player.
Dembele seems to have regained some of his best form this season, after suffering through constant injuries since making a move to the Catalonia club back in 2017. The winger has been a regular for club manager Xavi this season.
The 25-year-old has made 20 appearances in all competitions so far, scoring five goals and registering seven assists in the process. He has also been a regular for his country at the World Cup, playing in all their games and helping them reach back-to-back finals.
A player with a terrifying pace who can be deployed on either side of the wing, he could prove to be an upgrade to our attack. Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling have all struggled this season, with Ziyech and Pulisic having uncertain futures at the club.
Barcelona will likely want to keep the player this season, considering his importance for them on the pitch. Should the Blues make a move for him next month, they will not be in the driving seat as the player has time in his contract.
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However, nothing can be guaranteed for next summer. If the clause is true, it will be wise for the Blues to activate it as it could prove to be a bargain for them. It remains to be seen what the west London club decide to do.