According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele is set to commit his future to Barcelona.
The Blues were hoping to persuade the Frenchman to switch from the Nou Camp to Stamford Bridge, but he is now expected to remain in Spain.
What is the most recent Dembele news?
Dembele is currently a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last month, with Chelsea hoping to capitalize on his contract situation and sign him for free.
The 25-year-old was'ready' to reunite with Thomas Tuchel after the pair spent a year together at Borussia Dortmund, with the German hoping to bring him in as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, according to The Sun.
Dembele, who has 54 club goals in his career, wanted assurances about his playing time after starting only 15 La Liga games for Barcelona last season.
Chelsea's hopes of signing the France international appear to be over, according to Romano, who claims Dembele has chosen to stay at the Nou Camp and sign a two-year contract with the Spanish giants.
What did Romano think of Dembele?
"With Dembele, the feeling I have speaking with some sources is that the player is getting closer to extending his contract with Barcelona," he told GIVEMESPORT. There is an agreement for a two-year contract in June 2024.
Darwin Nunez is coming to Liverpool! Done and dusted! More can be heard on The Football Terrace.
Instead, who could Chelsea sign?
Despite appearing to have missed out on Dembele, the Blues still have options out wide.
Over the weekend, Raheem Sterling held further talks about a move to Stamford Bridge, with the deal 'progressing well' despite the fact that the two clubs have yet to agree on a fee for his services.
Tuchel's men are also hoping to sign Leeds midfielder Raphinha after coming close to a £55 million fee last week.
However, the Londoners face stiff competition from Barcelona, Brazil's top choice, and President Joan Laporta recently dealt a blow to Chelsea.
Raphinha wishes to visit Barcelona, he stated. We've communicated and spoken with Leeds. What is known is that other clubs are interested in Raphinha and have made proposals.
Chelsea's hopes of signing Raphinha remain alive, but his agent, Deco, was in Barcelona last week.
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