- 12 hours ago
Chelsea and PSG battle for Ousmane Dembele
FT Desk
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
- 3 min read
Speculation over Ousmane Dembele's future is growing once more, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain both reportedly interested in the Barcelona star.
Dembele spent almost the entirety of the 2021-22 season in uncertainty due to a stand-off between the France international and Barca over signing a contract extension.
The striker in fact became a free agent at the start of July, only to pen a new deal within days to remain at Camp Nou.
That contract, however, runs only until 2024, perhaps due to Dembele's rather mixed record with injuries and fitness since joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
And with just over 18 months remaining of that tie, he is already attracting interest elsewhere after enjoying a sparkling start to the current campaign.
Dembele nearing Camp Nou exit?
Chelsea and PSG are both long-time admirers of the Frenchman and were linked to a free transfer last summer before his renewed in Catalunya.
Now, even though he is under contract, the giants are ready to make another move for his services.
Pedri calls on Madrid star to join him at Barca
According to Fichajes, the Blues are eyeing reinforcements in attack and are keen to sign Dembele, while PSG see him as a worthy replacement for Kylian Mbappe should his France team-mate leave next summer.
The deal Dembele signed in July included a release clause worth €50 million, a sum which would not scare off either suitor for a player who turned 25 in May and, fitness permitting, should still have his best years ahead of him.
Barca will not give up their star without a fight, though, and already plan to hold talks to extend his stay and raise the value of that buyout.
