Chelsea are monitoring a potential move for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele ahead of the January transfer window, according to recent reports. The Frenchman is said to have a release clause in his contract with the Blaugrana, which could be triggered by the Blues.
Chelsea were linked with Dembele last January, but missed out on a deal as his contract dwindled with the Spanish giants. Despite reports, then manager Thomas Tuchel claimed: "I did not have contact with Ousmane. There was no contact in winter."
The summer offered another opportunity as the 25-year-old was officially a free agent, but a new two-year contract with Barcelona was eventually signed. The winger has recaptured some of his form this season as he looks to shake off his long running injury issues.
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Dembele has also been a consistent starter for France in the World Cup, grabbing two assists so far in their pursuit of back-to-back triumphs. While that has been an ideal run of form for the winger, it could prove to be a concern for Barca in the long-term as his contract nears the final year already.
That's because Marca reports that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have reignited their interest in Dembele as a potential transfer option for the future. Should they want to make a move in January, they will have to negotiate with Barca, however in the summer, a release clause of €50million (£43.6million) will be active.
The upcoming window could be more pressing for the Blues, but if they wait until the summer then they could bag a bargain of a deal for the winger.
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