Chelsea have been handed a major boost towards completing the signing of Ousmane Dembele this summer, with Barcelona surrendering a huge lead. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this season, with Thomas Tuchel reportedly eager to reunite with his former colleague.
The Blues are understood to be favourites to sign Dembele, who sees his contract at the Camp Nou expire at the end of the month. Barcelona are said to have been keen to keep the France international but the Spanish giants have struggled to agree a new deal.
Dembele rejected Barcelona's initial offer, according to journalist Sique Rodriguez Gairi from Spanish radio network La Cadena SER. Reports claim that Xavi's side have since offered the winger a fresh contract as part of a last-ditch effort to ward off interest from Chelsea - among other potential suitors too.
