Ousmane Dembele is reportedly closing in on a transfer to Chelsea as he is set to snub a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Frenchman, 25, is set to become a free agent this summer when his Barcelona contract expires and has been mulling over offers from several clubs around Europe. Chelsea emerged as the clear frontrunner to secure his signature from the get-go as the prospect of joining forces with Thomas Tuchel proved to be an attractive one, given Dembele's time working with the Blues boss at Borussia Dortmund.
PSG were also keen on the winger while Liverpool were also been linked after it emerged that Sadio Mane could leave Anfield this summer. The uncertainty surrounding Chelsea's ownership let other clubs into the mix as they weren't able to sign players until Todd Boehly completed the takeover last week.
It was reported that Dembele was willing to wait until that was confirmed before making a decision. Moussa Sissoko, Dembele's agent, revealed last week that his client was still weighing up his options as he prepares to leave the Nou Camp.
He said: "Ousmane’s future remains open. We are and have always been very respectful to all clubs and this will continue to be the case while the process is ongoing. When it is the right time to make a decision, Ousmane will consider the best option for his future."
It was reported that Dembele was on the verge of reaching an agreement with Chelsea by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. This was backed up by talkSPORT, who claimed the deal 'took off' once Boehly was announced as owner. And French outlet Le10sport now claim that Dembele has decided to sign on the dotted line with Chelsea and reject a move to PSG.
Tuchel admitted that it has been a frustrating time for Chelsea as they haven't been able to go full steam ahead on the recruitment front, especially since a big rebuild is required at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “You can always end up in a situation where players at the end of the season can have talks with other clubs, have different ideas and maybe get distracted because they sign for other teams. It happens.
“It’s a bit easier if you are also free to act and be more involved in the talks. Now it feels like we are spectators of the development, we don’t like. It’s a passive role and a bit strange. You can feel it.
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“We have already discussed now a lot of points (for struggles), if you bring these together maybe it can provide an explanation as to why the edge in our game is missing. Still, I can just repeat myself. It is not the moment to point fingers on the players and to be too harsh and demanding.
“It’s, yes demanding, but not overdo it. We trust ourselves. Everybody in the building and who arrives tomorrow wants to finish on a positive spin. There is still a lot to achieve."
