How Chelsea will line up with Ousmane Dembele
James Shearman
- 5 Jun 2022 07:30 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea are favourites to sign Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer this summer.
Dembele is set to become the first deal of the Todd Boehly era, reuniting with former manager Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel coached the Frenchman at Borussia Dortmund, seeing the form that earned a €147 million move to Barca.
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Now, having struggled to stay healthy in five seasons at Camp Nou, he is ready to leave the La Liga club.
And, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, a move to the Premier League with Chelsea is on the horizon.
Dembele registered 13 assists in just 15 league starts this season, his best in a Barcelona shirt, but he wants a new challenge.
2021 Champions League winners Chelsea would provide the 25-year-old with this opportunity.
The Blues have been in need of a world-class winger for three seasons, since Eden Hazard left for Real Madrid.
Dembele's creativity is something that could help to unlock Romelu Lukaku's game, or whoever else leads the attack next season.
On a free transfer, Chelsea won't find a better player to occupy either side of the front three.
Chelsea XI with Dembele
If Dembele were to arrive, he would join a growing list of attacking midfielders available to Tuchel.
Edouard Mendy will start in goal behind a first-choice back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and imminent signing Jules Kounde.
Reece James will again feature at right wing-back, as well as Ben Chilwell as he has now recovered from a long-term injury.
Two of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will start in central midfield.
Tuchel could continue with the underperforming Lukaku, and the German will be hoping Dembele can help to get more out of the big centre-forward.
Mason Mount will take up the final spot in the front three.
