According to L’Equipe, Chelsea have offered Ousmane Dembele a contract as they aim to bring the Liverpool target to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, the £287,000-a-week man has days remaining on his contract with Barcelona, and as of now, no agreement has been found in regards to a renewal.
Spanish outlet SPORT claimed that Liverpool were monitoring the Frenchman, but now, L’Equipe believe Chelsea have sent Dembele a contract as the Blues aim to take advantage of his situation.
The French news outlet believe the winger’s representatives were in Barcelona on Monday to hold one final discussion over a fresh contract, with the 25-year-old open to staying.
However, Dembele is equally open to joining Chelsea, so the ball is in Barcelona’s court ahead of the attacker’s contract expiring on June 30th.
Thomas Tuchel knows the £135.5m man well, after working with him at Borussia Dortmund before watching him join Barcelona for a then club-record fee.
Dembele improved once Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman last season, but the chance to work with someone like Tuchel again may be too difficult for him to resist.
Liverpool should match Chelsea offer
In our view, Liverpool should make a serious push to sign Dembele.
Of course, there’s no way the France international becomes an immediate starter, with Mohamed Salah in his position and the likes of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also available to Klopp.
However, Manchester City are currently bolstering positions in their squad which are already very strong, such as the signing of Kalvin Phillips to compete with Rodri.
If Liverpool are to keep up with the Citizens, and ensure their squad remains fresh after the November World Cup, then signing someone like Dembele is certainly necessary if the Reds are to be competitive.
Keep an eye on this situation, as more details should emerge before June 30th.
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