Report: Chelsea target hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by Lionel Messi deciding between two offers

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Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele is reportedly deciding between two offers from the Blues and current club Barcelona.

According to L’Equipe, the Frenchman’s latest offer from the Catalan side is still lower than his demands, with financial issues restricting a more valuable deal.

The 25-year-old has been rumoured to be Chelsea’s first marquee signing under their new ownership, with his contract set to expire at the Nou Camp in the coming days.

Dembele’s development has been scuppered by injury problems, with this raw talent being recognised by former teammate Lionel Messi, who described him as a “phenomenon.”

Despite only scoring once in the league last season, he registered 13 assists, a sensational number when taking into account he only started 18 games.

Dembele set to make decision

With it often seen that the Blues struggle to break down sides who set up in a low block, his addition could be key in games where chances don’t come freely.

This creativity could go hand in hand with the potential signing of Raheem Sterling, with the proven Premier League goalscorer being the perfect player to operate alongside the Barcelona man in a front three.

However, Dembele is still a Barcelona player for the next few days at least, and L’Equipe confirmed Xavi’s club entered another set of negotiations with the player earlier this week.

The report suggests the discussions went nowhere, and with time running out the Blues are ready to swoop in and confirm their first big-name deal of the Todd Boehly era.

Gifting Thomas Tuchel players he desires would be a great way for the ownership to support the manager, and the German’s relationship with Dembele is one of the keys to the France international’s interest in a move to Stamford Bridge.