Report: Chelsea begin talks to sign €80m player, as Tuchel accused of wasting Roman Abramovich’s £100m deal
Ahead of summer transfer window, Chelsea have opened talks to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer. This According to reports in Spain.
However, Dembele, 24, is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to reach an agreement over a new deal with Barca.
Spanish media outlet Sport via Metro claim Chelsea have made contact with Dembele’s representatives to discuss a move to Stamford Bridge as a free agent this summer.
Manchester United and Juventus are also interested in signing Dembele but the report claims Chelsea have an advantage as Thomas Tuchel has a positive relationship with Dembele following their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking earlier this week, Barcelona head coach Xavi hailed Dembele as an important player for Barcelona and suggested that he had not given up hope of keeping the winger at Camp Nou beyond this season.
“Ousmane’s contract is up in June and it’s a matter that’s between the club and him. I see him as being happy. He’s acting like a true professional. I’m very happy with him,” said Xavi.
“Even when he knew he wasn’t in the squad, he’s been a model professional. I haven’t had the slightest problem with Ousmane.
“I’ve heard all sorts of things… that he hasn’t been professional and that he hasn’t looked after himself. I can tell you now that it’s the complete opposite, he’s looking after himself, is professional, has been training well, and is positive in and around the group.
“That’s why we, and I want to stress that it’s not just me but the club too, have decided that he’s able to play with the team. Had he been a bad professional, we may have decided on something else, but he’s been a true professional and a role model in terms of the way he’s carried himself within the group, and that’s ultimately what matters.
“We’ll have to see what happens between now and the end of the season. It’s down to the club and it’s down to him. He’s an important player and one I like.”
Tuchel accused of wasting Roman Abramovich’s £100million
According to reports, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been accused of wasting Roman Abramovich’s £100million by not trusting Romelu Lukaku enough.
After returning to Chelsea last summer, Lukaku seemed to hit the ground running when he scored three goals in his first three appearances of the season. Since then, though, the Belgian has struggled significantly, scoring only twice more in fourteen subsequent Premier League appearances.
Owen said: “If you’re going to spend £100m on me, and I’ve been scoring goals all the time for Inter Milan, surely you’re going to back me through thick and thin?”
“If you’re my manager, I’m thinking ‘I’m not going to score for three or four games on occasion, but don’t drop me’ because you can totally lose somebody like that. And that’s just £100m wasted.’
“If you show someone love and trust, you’ll be paid back in spades later on. You can’t spend that much money and then within the blink of an eye just not do anything.”