Chelsea have made a contract offer to Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele ahead of his contract expiration, according to reports in France.
The winger’s deal at the Camp Nou expires at the end of June, with him set to become a free agent.
The latest reports suggested that Chelsea would revisit a potential deal if Dembele became a free agent.
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It was thought that his desire was to remain at Barcelona for the new season but following meetings between his agent and the Spanish side, an agreement was not struck.
Both parties are no longer moving forward with negotiations after the meeting, and unless Barcelona improve their financial offer, Dembele will not consider a renewal.
Dembele's future will become clearer in the coming days but Tuchel has given his seal of approval after they were also linked with him back in January.
“He is a very good player when he is in his top level.
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"I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund.
“It was only one year, it should have been longer. I needed to leave and he decided to leave."
As reported by L’Equipe, Chelsea have submitted a contract offer to the 25-year-old.
His decision is now between accepting to stay at the Camp Nou with Barcelona’s reduced contract or sign for Chelsea.
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The new owners at Stamford Bridge are said to be prepared to make Dembele their marquee signing, despite the likely arrival of Raheem Sterling.
A contract offer has been made and is considered tempting by Dembele, who could move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The prospect of reuniting with Tuchel is attractive to Dembele, playing his best football under the German at Borussia Dortmund.
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He is keen for a full and interrupted pre-season this summer to earn his place into the squad, wherever he is.
Dembele is determined to earn a place in France’s World Cup squad for November’s tournament in Qatar and will look to make his decision soon.
Chelsea are set to make a formal bid for Man City’s Sterling on Tuesday also, as Todd Boehly looks to make his first signings as interim sporting director. Manchester City expert Sam Lee previously stated that Sterling’s transfer to Chelsea was ‘done’.
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He revealed: "I was speaking to somebody last week who reckons Jesus and Sterling are both done.
"We're all very cautious of that word done in the transfer industry because it could mean anything, but it certainly seems to be where that one is heading."
It remains to be seen as to whether Dembele and Sterling will become teammates next season as Chelsea are set for a busy transfer window.
Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for several of their attackers this summer, with Romelu Lukaku set for a move to Inter Milan on loan.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona, Football
Nick Emms