Chelsea hit with major blow as Ousmane Dembele gives surprise response to transfer links

Ousmane Dembele has claimed he will not be leaving Barcelona this summer despite strong links with a move to Chelsea.

Dembele’s contract with the Spanish giants will come to an end in just a few day’s time. As a result, a number of clubs have been looking to make a free move to the Frenchman, including PSG and Chelsea. However, recent comments made by Dembele suggest his contract negotiations with Barcelona may take a dramatic turn.

In footage posted by @ActualiteBarca on Twitter, Dembele responded to a fan asking if he would be staying with the club.

He replied: “Yes.”

The fan then went on to ask Dembele if he would be moving to Chelsea to work with Thomas Tuchel.

Dembele responded: “I’m good at Barcelona.”

While the video doesn’t guarantee anything, it does suggest that Dembele is still considering a contract renewal at his current club.

The 25-year-old was reportedly given one final contract offer earlier this week, containing a release clause of just £8.6m.

However, Dembele rejected this offer, spurring on more rumours he would be leaving the club.

Having moved to Spain for £135m in the summer of 2017, Dembele has failed to live up to expectations.

In 21 league matches last season, he contributed just one goal. However, he did complete 13 assists for his teammates.

With the club’s ongoing financial problems, it would be a major blow to lose such an asset on a free transfer.

But for Chelsea, the prospect of signing such a talent is exciting.

While his recent comments suggest Dembele is considering all options, Tuchel will be hoping there is still time to convince the forward to make a move.

How Ousmane Dembele would fit in Thomas Tuchel’s regime

Chelsea struggled to find consistency with their attacking line last season.

Big-money signing Romelu Lukaku failed to match the hype surrounding his move, and has an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, he was still the club’s top scorer throughout the campaign, with 15 goals from 44 games.

Chelsea in advanced talks for Ousmane Dembele

Chelsea are in advanced talks for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

There is no doubt that Tuchel must bolster his attack if he wants to compete with Liverpool and Man City next season. Both clubs have already been active this window, with Liverpool signing Darwin Nunez, and Man City securing Erling Haaland.

Dembele’s time at Barcelona may not have been the most successful. However, in Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, he could act as a consistent winger behind the forntman.

If a deal can also be completed for free, then the risk is minimal.

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