Chelsea plotting summer raid for €50 million Barcelona forward – report

Barcelona had to live through a long, dragged-out contract saga with Ousmane Dembele earlier this year until eventually, the Frenchman re-signed with the club ten days after letting his deal run out.

The 25-year-old penned a two-year contract with Barcelona that will expire in 2024 and it came with a release clause worth just €50 million.

And as the Frenchman enters the final 18 months of his deal, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Chelsea are already considering making a push for Dembele’s signing in the summer of 2023.

Under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez, Dembele has flourished over the past ten months while his injury problems also seem to be a thing of the past. In 20 appearances this term, he has five goals and seven assists for the Blaugrana.

The wide-forward is also playing an important role for France at the FIFA World Cup 2022, helping them reach the finals of the tournament.

Dembele’s performances have made a big impression on Les Bleus’ manager Didier Deschamps. And it seems like Chelsea, who had been linked with the 25-year-old in the past, have also been impressed by his transformation under Xavi.

Given that Dembele will be entering the final year of his contract next summer and has a largely affordable €50 million release clause, the Blues are now reportedly considering swooping in for him in 2023.

The report indicates that Chelsea manager Graham Potter has requested the signing of the French international to bolster his attacking department.

Barcelona, for their part, are intent on extending Dembele’s contract and have made it a priority. Xavi, like he did earlier this year, will once again push the club to renew the 25-year-old forward and tie down his future at Spotify Camp Nou.

But as long as the €50 million release clause exists, clubs like Chelsea will be a threat for Barcelona as they look to retain Dembele’s services for a long time.