Ousmane Dembele is reportedly ‘not convinced’ by Chelsea’s offer to take him to Stamford Bridge, with a stay at Barcelona still a possibility.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the Nou Camp next week after rejecting a number of contract offers to remain at Barcelona over recent months.
Dembele was initially linked with a free transfer to PSG, though Chelsea have emerged as front-runners for the forward’s signature after previously working with Blues boss, Thomas Tuchel, during their single-season at Borussia Dortmund.
During that 2016/17 campaign, Dembele scored 10 goals and provided a hugely impressive 21 assists, earning him his big-money move to Barcelona.
Speaking in January, Tuchel discussed Dembele and spoke on his desire to have worked alongside the Frenchman for a longer period.
“He is a very good player when he is in his top level,” he said. “I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund. It was only one year, it should have been longer.
“I needed to leave and he decided to leave.”
Howewer, according to Catalan outlet Sport, despite making ‘progress’ in talks with Chelsea, the 25-year-old is said to have been left ‘disappointed’ by the financial offer made by the West London club.
The report says that while Chelsea’s offer is ‘significantly higher’ than that of Barcelona, it suggests that the forward was hoping for more given his status as a free agent, with the player now questioning whether it is ‘worth the change of scenery’ given that he is ‘comfortable’ with the Blaugrana.
Barca boss Xavi has outlined his desire for Dembele to remain at the Nou Camp, though the club will not be improving their most recent offer to the player given their current financial struggles.
The report adds that Chelsea have asked for a ‘swift’ decision from the player as they look to finalise their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
