Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that 'no' contact was made on deadline day between the Blues and Ousmane Dembele as the German admits he's 'satisfied' with the January transfer window.
The Blues came into the window seeking wing-back cover after Ben Chilwell's and Reece James' respective injuries but no moves came to fruition as sole focus was put on to recalling Emerson Palmieri to no avail, football.london understands.
With no full-back signings imminent ahead of deadline day on Monday, all talks turned to Ousmane Dembele who was being forced to consider his options at Barcelona's request.
Despite clear admiration from Tuchel who is known to be a big admirer of the 24-year-old, football.london understood that contrary to reports, talks of a potential loan deal were very far fetched.
football.london also understands that the Blues are interested and could move for him in the summer when he’ll be on a free. But will need to shift out an attacker (or two) already on their books.
Tuchel himself, speaking ahead of Plymouth Argyle FA Cup tie on Friday afternoon, confirmed what we understood when posed the question about the French winger.
"I am satisfied because it was a clam window and to be calm was the best thing. We were open for things. I did not have contact with Ousmane [Dembele]. There was no contact in winter between us," Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference.
"We tried and had ideas. But in the end we stick to what we have and are happy. Reece will come back at some point, unfortunately not Ben Chilwell, but Reece will comeback and compete for a place in the squad.
"Azpi at the moment is in fantastic form and a fantastic place. That is why it's fine. We try to find solutions in our squad."
The attacking situation is set to be solved in the summer when a few Blues players are shafted out in what could be a reshuffle up front amid reports of player unrest but what now for the wing-back situation?
Well, the Champions League winning manager confirmed that Kenedy will be one of the players who will be given a fresh opportunity if Marcos Alonso needs resting.
He said: "It's a clean slate and I think he knows it. I followed Kenedy for many years and he was very impressive in the beginning. He lost track a little bit and maybe couldn't fulfil the demands from the outside I had.
"But this is life. He gets a second or third chance to be here and it's not about what happened. He was good in pre-season, decided he wanted to go back to Brazil, but having Kenny and Emerson on loan, Kenny was possible and now he is here.
"He is a very nice guy, very talented, and let's see where he is. It's a huge opportunity and I am very happy to give it to him and help him make the best of it."
He then went on to add about the viability of seeing the ex-Flamengo loanee utilised at wing-back: "If we play with a wing-back, it's a perfect role for him given his profile as a player. He has a strong left foot, strong in possession, can shoot and cross very precisely. That's more or less it."
Following no new left-back signings last month amid Lucas Digne, Borna Sosa and Leyvin Kurzawa talks, it is expected that Kenedy, Malang Sarr and potentially Lewis Hall will be the options used now depending on formations.
