Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele will decide on his future in the next 72 hours.
Dembele is one of the most sought-after players in this summer’s transfer window because his contract with Barcelona is due to expire on June 30.
Barcelona held fresh talks with Dembele’s representatives on Monday but the uncertainty surrounding the Spanish giants means nothing has been resolved. And now Dembele could leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer - just five years after joining Barcelona for £110m.
It comes amid huge uncertainty at Barcelona as the Spanish giants are facing a financial crisis which means they have not been able to register Andreas Christensen or Franck Kessie despite agreeing deals with both players.
They faced similar issues last summer which led to Lionel Messi ’s departure and are faced with the same dilemma again this year as they may have to offload players before they can bring new ones in.
The same issue is also threatening their attempts to keep 25-year-old Dembele with current coach Xavi desperate to keep him and has made it clear that he sees him as his first choice right sided forward.
Xavi interrupted his holiday to take part in the talks with Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko and other club officials - but the talks ended with no resolution.
Dembele has been troubled by injuries and setbacks at Barcelona but got his way back into the team last season and showed his best form under Xavi which is a big incentive to stay.
But so far Barcelona have been unable to offer anything realistic to keep him and now want Dembele to take a few days before deciding his future
The clock is ticking on Dembele’s future - but it could also open the door for Chelsea.
Chelsea are one of the clubs very keen on signing him, Thomas Tuchel worked with him at Borussia Dortmund and he would be an attractive free transfer.
But they must now wait until Dembele’s contract expires to find out whether he is available and are to move to Stamford Bridge.
