Chelsea could take advantage of the ongoing financial crisis by signing Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer.
The French winger has had an injury-riddled time in Spain since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, but the club are still keen to keep him at the club. Despite this, the two sides aren't close to agreeing to terms on a new deal, with Dembele allegedly asking for £700,000 a week.
With Barcelona reportedly in financial trouble, they are reluctant to pay that much, meaning he could leave when his contract expires at the end of the month. There's still a chance the 25-year-old could extend his stay in La Liga due to his undeniable talent and the difference he can make at the top level.
READ MORE: Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich make claims on striker's future amid Chelsea transfer links
But should he leave, Chelsea are expected to make an offer given the prior relationship between the player and manager Thomas Tuchel. The two worked together at Dortmund. The German coach has spoken in the past about the possibility of working together again.
All three numbers Dembele has worn since making his senior debut in 2015 for Stade Rennais are currently worn by players at Chelsea.
N'Golo Kante currently occupies the no.7 shirt, although there are rumours that he could depart this summer with Manchester United linked with the star. Should the Frenchman depart Stamford Bridge,
Timo Werner is wearing the no.11 shirt and is unlikely to leave this summer, meaning Dembele won't be able to wear the number he did when he first moved to Spain. When he made his debut in France seven years ago, Dembele wore the no.23 shirt, but that is also taken by winger Kenedy.
There could be a scenario in which Kenedy leaves the club, vacating 23 and allowing Dembele to once again wear a number he hasn't since breaking into senior football.
One number that is available to Dembele is 17. Currently worn by on-loan midfielder Saul Niguez, 17, will be free should Dembele move to west London. It has the seven in it, which could help if Dembele finds numbers important. If not, there are a number of single-digits up for grabs, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving for Spain.
