Do Chelsea or PSG need Dembele transfer more?

James Shearman

• Updated: 3 Apr 2022 17:15 BST
• 4 min read

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez wants Ousmane Dembele to stay at the club, but he is yet to make a decision on his future.

Dembele was heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou in January, with just six months left on his deal, but he chose to see out the remainder of his contract.

He will now have plenty of options to choose from in the summer transfer window, including the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, according to 90min.

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''I see him very happy, he’s very involved in the project since I arrived,'' Xavi commented on the situation. ''I have no complaints about him.

''He’s making a real difference for us, he gives assists, and in our way of playing it’s very important because of how I want to play, as in one-on-ones he’s very good."

That said, Dembele is still expected to leave, in favour of a fresh start at another one of Europe's top clubs.

Indeed, if it does come down to Chelsea or PSG, which of them needs the Frenchman more?

Do Chelsea need Dembele?

There are a plethora of attacking options available to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel right now, but a number of them have uncertain futures.

Timo Werner is almost guaranteed to leave, ending a difficult two-year stint in west London.

And Romelu Lukaku, who only rejoined the club last summer, could also be on his way out after a tough season.

Kai Havertz has excelled in a false nine role over the past few months, so Tuchel could look to stick with him up front and find another supporting player in the transfer market.

Ousmane Dembele would fit Tuchel's 3-4-3 system well, being able to cut in from either flank in support of the striker.

He does have an eye for goal, but his creative ability it what he is most renowned for.

However, his injury history would be a huge concern, especially with existing wingers Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi spending plenty of time on the sidelines.

In all, Dembele would make for an excellent replacement, on a free transfer, for any of the Blues' outgoing stars.

Do PSG need Dembele?

In Paris Saint-Germain's current squad, Dembele would only provide another headache for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The Parisian outfit have an issue with fielding their attacking talents on the same pitch.

In the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, having Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar on the pitch limited their ability to see off the opposition.

However, should one, or more, of those superstars leave this summer, a return to France could provide an excellent opportunity for Dembele, and PSG.

The 24-year-old could be convinced to work harder than any of the trio, and could also be molded to fit into the next coaches tactical style.

Playing in a slightly less demanding league would also benefit Dembele's physical limitations.

So, PSG should absolutely sign Dembele this summer, as long as one of their existing stars leave the club.