Ousmane Dembele’s rumoured move to Chelsea has received another boost, as Barcelona confirm he has still not signed a new deal at the Nou Camp.
However, ESPN pundit Gab Marcotti disagreed with his co-host Julien Laurens over the impact the Frenchman could have at Stamford Bridge.
Demeble joined the Catalan side for a staggering £135m from Borussia Dortmund, however a flurry of injuries since his arrival in 2017 has limited the 25-year-old’s development.
Despite that, he still contributed 13 assists in 21 league appearances last season, often bailing Xavi’s side out of difficult circumstances.
His seemingly stern stance on not remaining at Barcelona has peaked the interest of Chelsea, who are now firm favourites to sign the France international on a free transfer.
Despite there being no transfer fee, Marcotti took objection to the deal, citing the Blues’ need to improve in other positions before in the wide attacking roles.
He said: “This makes zero sense. Not because Dembele is a bad player, but because you have to disassemble your whole lineup to play him.”
His co-host on ‘The Gab and Juls show’, Laurens disagreed however, showcasing the Blues’ concerning ability to create from wide positions.
He said: “Last year once you blocked the two wing-backs, then there was very little from the wings from Chelsea and that was just not good enough.”
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Dembele on a free transfer seems a no brainer.
When fit, the Frenchman has shown more than enough glimpses of why Barcelona stumped up the cash they did for him, and joining Chelsea would allow him to play without an astronomical price tag weighing on his shoulders.
The club do desperately lack numbers from their attackers, and while Dembele certainly provides a creative spark, his lack of goals last season may be a cause for concern.
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