There is still a chance that Ousmane Dembele does not leave Barcelona this summer. The France international has been linked with a move away from the Catalans since January. Considering that his contract has now expired, he has had free reign to discuss his future with other clubs, one of them being Chelsea.
The Blues had reportedly registered their interest in the January transfer window when it became clear that Thomas Tuchel would like a reunion with his young star. The two shared a special relationship in their time together at Borussia Dortmund and that chemistry could be replicated in Chelsea Blue come next season.
Unfortunately, Chelsea are not the only team standing in their way. Xavi is still putting up a a fight to keep his talented winger and there is indeed an offer on the table.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is still waiting on Ousmane Dembele's response to an offer. He said: "We made our bid - he has a proposal on the table, but he has not accepted it. No answer yet."
With this in mind, Dembele could decide to go back on his word and stay in Spain. Chelsea are yet to reach an agreement and the Blues may miss out on an opportunity to secure the signature of another forward that could be just as effective in the Chelsea front line.
Of course, nothing compares to a two-footed free transfer such as Dembele himself, but could Thomas Tuchel reignite his interest in Leeds star Raphinha? According to reports, Chelsea had registered a bid for the Brazilian winger in January. It was in the region of £40million and was rejected. Barcelona also reportedly had a £47million bid for Raphinha rejected by Leeds earlier this year. It would be a battle for the Brazilian as Arsenal also join the race for his signature.
After narrowly avoiding relegation, Leeds look likely to lose their star player this summer and they would want to get as much money for him as they can if he is to leave. If Chelsea are able to join in negotiations, they will be in for a Premier League proven gem as a contingency plan.
Anything can happen in the hunt for Dembele and despite Tuchel's preferred reunion, he will need to consider other options also. It's unlikely that the Catalans will make a higher offer for Raphinha due to their financial restrictions, so efforts may be made to keep Dembele in their squad.
