BARCELONA FORWARD OUSMANE DEMBELE SET TO PICK CHELSEA OVER PSG

The French international can leave on a free transfer from Barcelona this summer when his contract expires, and he is being pursued by both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The chance to work with his old Borussia Dortmund boss, Thomas Tuchel, has made up his mind. PSG was also keen on the winger while Liverpool was also been linked after it emerged that Sadio Mane could leave Anfield this summer. The uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s ownership let other clubs into the mix as they weren’t able to sign players until Todd Boehly completed the takeover last week.It was reported that Dembele was willing to wait until that was confirmed before making a decision. Moussa Sissoko, Dembele’s agent, revealed last week that his client was still weighing up his options as he prepares to leave the Nou Camp.

He said: “Ousmane’s future remains open. We are and have always been very respectful to all clubs and this will continue to be the case while the process is ongoing. When it is the right time to make a decision, Ousmane will consider the best option for his future.”

It was reported that Dembele was on the verge of reaching an agreement with Chelsea by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. This was backed up by talkSPORT, who claimed the deal ‘took off’ once Boehly was announced as owner. And French outlet Le10sport now claims that Dembele has decided to sign on the dotted line with Chelsea and reject a move to PSG.

Tuchel admitted that it has been a frustrating time for Chelsea as they haven’t been able to go full steam ahead on the recruitment front, especially since a big rebuild is required at Stamford Bridge.

He said: “You can always end up in a situation where players at the end of the season can have talks with other clubs, have different ideas, and maybe get distracted because they sign for other teams. It happens.