Chelsea have a very good chance of signing Ousmane Dembele this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Dembele's club future is currently uncertain, and Jones thinks the Blues could swoop in to land the winger.
What's the latest news involving Dembele?
Dembele's £287,000-a-week contract at Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the month, and it is looking increasingly likely that he will depart the club.
It appeared that the 25-year-old could be set for a move to French champions PSG, but Sport have recently reported that they have pulled out of the race to sign Dembele as they want to focus on strengthening their midfield instead.
This has left the door open for Chelsea, with talkSPORT reporting that they are now favourites to sign the Frenchman.
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What has Jones said about Dembele potentially joining Chelsea?
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel previously managed Dembele at Borussia Dortmund, and Jones has claimed that the German is a big admirer of the forward.
He believes that Tuchel's experience of working with Dembele could ensure that a deal gets over the line.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Speaking about Chelsea's chances of signing the Barcelona man, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Ousmane Dembele, I could 100% see them pulling it off. I think that if he does leave Barcelona, which is looking more and more likely, then I think he’ll go to Chelsea because Tuchel loves him.”
What would Dembele bring to Chelsea?
In one word: assists.
Dembele racked up 13 assists in La Liga last season, which is even more remarkable considering he didn't make his first appearance until November due to injury.
Chelsea seemed to lack a little creativity at times in 2021/22, with Mason Mount being the only player who reached double figures in terms of assists in the Premier League.
Chelsea's attack looked a little one-dimensional at times as well, with Mount, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech all technically gifted, but lacking that extra pace in the final third.
Dembele is technically sound and quick, plus his numbers highlight that his end product is consistently spot on as he has also scored 54 goals in his professional career.
He would add a little more dynamism to Chelsea's front line, which is badly needed if Tuchel's team are going to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool next term.
Three ways Chelsea could line up with Ousmane Dembele
The most likely scenario would be for Dembele to take up his favoured right wing role, which in Chelsea's 3-4-3 system would make him the right-sided inside forward. The Blues don't really have an undisputed option in that position, with the likes of Mount, Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi featuring there throughout the campaign.
3-4-3
Potential Chelsea XI with Ousmane Dembele
But Chelsea are also facing a defensive exodus this summer. Antonio Rudiger has signed for Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen has been released and Cesar Azpilicueta is keen on a move to Barcelona. Chelsea will most likely bring in Jules Kounde, but they may end up needing Reece James at centre-half, leaving a spot at right wing-back for Dembele. He's certainly got the pace to play there, but may lack the necessary defensive discipline.
3-4-2-1
Potential Chelsea XI with Ousmane Dembele
Despite predominantly being viewed as a wide player, during his Dortmund days Dembele actually operated as a more central attacking midfielder on numerous occasions under Tuchel. The system would involve Dembele being the most offensive element in a three-man engine room, allowing him to push on into advanced positions. That's a plausible option at Chelsea, with Tuchel using 3-5-2 as an alternative setup last season.
Dembele more central
Potential Chelsea XI with Ousmane Dembele