Chelsea have been handed a blow in their potential pursuit of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that positive talks have been held between the Frenchman and the Catalan club over a new deal, with his current one expiring at the end of the season.
The Blues were linked with a move for the forward in January, with a stalemate between him and his club creating the potential for an exit amid reports that he was told to leave while he was still under contract. Despite reports of a move for Dembele, Thomas Tuchel insisted there was no approach and they had a “calm” January transfer window. “I did not have contact with Ousmane. There was no contact in winter," he said.
“I'm very satisfied because it was a calm window, and to be calm is always the best thing.” The move would have seen the 24-year-old reunite with the German coach, having briefly played under him at Borussia Dortmund.
