Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit to sign Ousmane Demeble in the upcoming transfer window. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this season, as Thomas Tuchel plots a rebuild this summer.
The consortium led by Todd Boehly, who completed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club on Monday, are expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline. With the new ownership group eager to bolster the Blues' armoury, The Telegraph indicate that, after player sales are taken into account, Tuchel is set to have £200million at his disposal to strengthen his side.
A percentage of which could be set aside for the arrival of Dembele, who is yet to agree new terms with Barcelona and, therefore, leave on a free transfer in the coming weeks. However, despite the Blues' long-standing interest in the France international, Chelsea reportedly face competition from Liverpool.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly Chelsea takeover agreement gives Thomas Tuchel La Liga transfer mission green light
Jurgen Klopp's side have made contact with the Barcelona winger following Sadio Mane's decision to leave this summer, according to SPORT. But, while it may appear to hand the west Londoners a blow, it's believed that Dembele decided to delay the decision regarding his future until the Chelsea takeover was completed, the Press Association claim - it must be said that his decision to do so drops a huge hint.
The Blues boss is known to be a big admirer of the Frenchman, having briefly worked with the forward at Borussia Dortmund. The duo enjoyed their time together in the Bundesliga, with Tuchel's man-management steering Dembele towards a £135.5million move to Barcelona.
Speaking in January on the winger's contract saga, Tuchel said: "He’s a very good player, and I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund. It was only one year, it should have been longer, but I needed to leave and he decided to leave.
"We are not in close contact, we have met here and there because of his duties for the French national team when I was in Paris. We exchanged some messages. I have absolutely no idea why he is in this situation, I don’t know the detail, so it’s better not to talk."
football.london understand that the Blues are interested in Dembele and could move for him this summer, though the club will need to make way for his arrival with the sale of an attacker necessary.
