Ousmane Dembele is still considering his future, but his agent is well aware of interest from Chelsea, football.london understands. The France international could soon become a free agent with his contract at Barcelona due to expire at the end of next month.
Dembele was a target for the Blues over the January transfer window, but no contact was made with the winger, as Thomas Tuchel confirmed in February. "I did not have contact with Ousmane. There was no contact in winter," the Chelsea head coach said.
Now, though, as the summer window approaches, Chelsea could rekindle their interest in the 25-year-old wide man. The Blues are keeping a close eye on Dembele's situation and are expected to continue talks with his representatives at some point this summer. No decision has been made yet by the Frenchman, football.london has been told.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly's first words after his consortium completes takeover of Chelsea
His agent, Moussa Sissoko recently opened up on his client's future. He told GOAL: "Ousmane's future remains open and we are not going to enter into endless speculation.
"When the time is right, Ousmane will take the best option. We are and have always been very respectful of all the clubs and we will continue in the same way as long as the process continues. When the time is right, Ousmane will consider what is the best option for his future."
Dembele is one of numerous attacking options being considered by Chelsea ahead of the summer's window. football.london also understands that the Blues have a long-term interest in RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku.
Raphinha and Neymar have also been linked, but Dembele might just make the most sense considering he's likely to be available on a free transfer. It's understood that a defender - in particular, Jules Kounde - is right at the top of the club's priority list.
Chelsea are no longer sanctioned following the club's announcement that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's consortium are now the new ownership group. A tweet from Nigel Huddleston read: "The sale of @ChelseaFC has now been completed - a great relief to Chelsea fans around the country and indeed the world.
"The takeover means that the club is no longer subject to the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich, and can look ahead to secure long-term future. I know the Boehly Clearlake consortium engaged with @ChelseaFC supporters throughout the sale process, and are also committed to fan representation in the running of the club - in line with our fan-led review of football governance. I look forward to hearing more about their plans."
