Chelsea attempt to seal late deal with ‘another enquiry’

Joe Williams
Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele runs in and out of poles

Chelsea are attempting to sign Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele before the transfer deadline, according to reports.

The France international has been heavily linked with a transfer in recent months. Newcastle United, Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and others have all been mooted.

Dembele’s contract expires in the summer and has been in talks with the La Liga club over a new deal after costing Barcelona £126million in 2017.


Dembele, Barcelona, excess and falling upwards to PSG


Sky Sports now claim on deadline day that Chelseahave made another enquiry’ to sign him before the transfer deadline but that ‘a deal looks difficult to conclude at this late stage.

Chelsea ‘reignited their interest after hearing his potential move to Paris Saint-Germain had stalled’ but that the striker’s ‘high wages are said to be one of the main obstacles Chelsea will have to overcome to get him on deadline day.’

If they can’t get a deal over the line tonight then they are ‘expected to be interested in signing him on a pre-contract agreement for the summer’ when he will be available on a free transfer.

Sky Sports add: ‘Sources close to negotiations have told Sky Sports News a deal before the deadline is not impossible but very difficult due to the lack of time remaining.’

A new contract is looking unlikely after director club director Mateu Alemany said recently: “It’s clear that Dembele does not want to continue with Barcelona. He doesn’t want to be part of our project.

“We told Dembele he has to leave immediately. We expect Ousmane to be sold before Jan 31.”

Dembele has hit back at the rumours surrounding his exit, insisting that he is ‘fully involved and at the disposal of his club’.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Believe (@o.dembele7)

He wrote on Instagram: “Hello, everyone, It’s been four years since I’ve stopped reading things about myself without ever trying to justify myself.

“Gossip about me has been piling up for four years. It’s been four years that people have spoken for me, shamefully lied with one sole purpose, the intention of harming me. I have been following my line of never answering for four years, of never justifying myself.

“Has it been a mistake? Surely. As of today, it’s over. Starting today, I will answer honestly, without giving in to any kind of blackmail.

“I am 24 years old and like every man, I have flaws, imperfections. I have lived through complex moments, injuries, Covid has affected me. Without the slightest training session, the mister has asked me and I have always complied… without question.

“Perform as well as I have always done because it is my PASSION. I am fully aware of my luck to dedicate myself to the most beautiful job in the world. Also, my message is transparent.

“I forbid anyone to give the impression that I am not involved in the sports project. I forbid anyone to attribute intentions to me that I have never had. I forbid anyone to speak for me or my representative, whom I trust completely.

“Still under contract, I am fully involved and at the disposal of my club, my coach. I have always given everything for my colleagues and also for all the partners… it is not now that that is going to change. I am not a man who cheats and even less a man who has a habit of giving in to blackmail.

“Surely love is a variant of blackmail. As you know, there are negotiations. I let my agent handle it, it’s his turf. My field is the ball, simply playing soccer, sharing moments of joy with my colleagues and all members.

“Above all, let’s focus on the essentials: WIN.”