Ousmane Dembele turns nose up at Chelsea contract offer, with Raheem Sterling deal in balance

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is reportedly ‘disappointed’ with a contract offer he has received from Chelsea.

Dembele is out of contract at Barcelona this summer after spending five years with the club. Barca have made the Frenchman a new offer to stay, however, the winger was not satisfied with the money. As a result, it seemed as though Dembele was destined to join Chelsea ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Although, Sport claim that Dembele has now received a contract offer from Chelsea with a lower salary than anticipated.

Now his future is once again uncertain, with the report adding that he could still be convinced by a large signing-on fee.

The contract from Chelsea is worth more than Barcelona’s most recent offer. However, Dembele was expecting to receive a much larger pay increase from his switch to England.

It’s been suggested that Chelsea reduced their contract offer as a result of their interest in Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is preparing a new bid for Sterling, with the Manchester City winger expected to leave this summer.

Regardless, it seems Dembele will not be at Barcelona next season.

The latest contract is reportedly the highest offer he will receive from his current club. With Chelsea’s contract worth more, it is likely Dembele would still prefer to move than stay in Spain.

Nevertheless, this most recent update gives other clubs an opportunity to make a move themselves.

Whatever he decides, his future will be revealed in the next few days. Both clubs have urged Dembele to make a decision soon, as they look to plan the rest of their transfer business around the deal.

Ousmane Dembele could shine under Thomas Tuchel

Under a 3-4-2-1 Thomas Tuchel regime, Dembele would most likely play in the two just behind the striker.

Last season, he featured mainly as a right winger. In 21 league appearances, he managed to claim just one goal. However, he did contribute 13 assists, and was a standout performer in a select few games.

His pace and eye for creating chances will make him a huge asset for Chelsea. Alongside the potential signing of Sterling, both players could make Tuchel’s attack a formidable force.

Raheem Sterling over Ousmane Dembele for Chelsea

Chelsea believe that Raheem Sterling is the better option compared to Ousmane Dembele due to poor injury record

Considering the club will not have to pay a fee for his services, Dembele could prove to be one of the signings of the summer.

However, this latest update proves that the transfer is far from completion just yet.

Still, after Dembele spoke to Tuchel, it is believed the Chelsea coach is still very keen on getting the deal across the line.