Ousmane Dembele ‘is close to completing deadline day move to Chelsea’ with a deal ’99 per cent done’

Barcelona outcast Ousmane Dembele is close to moving to Chelsea with the deal ’99 per cent done’, according to reports in Spain.

This month, the French winger was told by the Catalans to sign a new contract at the Camp Nou or look for another club – with Dembele’s contract at the LaLiga giants expiring at the end of the season.

The World Cup winner chose the latter option after failing to agree terms at Barcelona, with Sportsmail revealing last week that the 24-year-old is available for just £18million this month.

Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is close to joining Chelsea, according to reports in Spain

And according to Spanish news outlet ABC, Dembele is set to sign a four-and-a-half year contract for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, with the Blues boss very aware of the Frenchman’s qualities having managed him at Borussia Dortmund.

Earlier this month, Tuchel discussed Dembele’s situation at Barcelona and revealed his admiration for the player he worked with for a season in Germany.

‘I have no idea about his situation with Barca,’ said the Chelsea manager. ‘He is a very good player when he is in good shape.

‘I was very lucky to train him at Dortmund. It only lasted a year but I wish it had been longer. I left and so did he.’

French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Tuchel’s former club, were discussing a move for Dembele this week but Financial Fair Play restrictions have meant the French giants have failed to find a solution to bringing in the France international. 

As with other clubs that showed interest, a deal was only deemed feasible if they could offer players in exchange. 

Barcelona had considered lowering their asking price of £16.5m but PSG would still have needed to move players out before bringing a player in of Dembele’s valuation and salary. Even if Barcelona allowed him to leave for free, PSG were stuck unless players leave before the window.

More to follow.