Report: Manager tells club not to get rid of his ‘frightening’ player, after rumours Chelsea want to sign him

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Chelsea have reportedly been handed a major blow in their quest to sign Ousmane Dembele.

According to El Chiringuito, Barcelona manager Xavi has stated his desire to keep hold of the Frenchman this summer.

The 25-year-old had been heavily linked with a reunion with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, after their brief but successful stint together at Borussia Dortmund.

After a high-profile £135m move to the Nou Camp, a flurry of injury problems and competition for places has seen his career stagnate, struggling to reach his potential as he heads towards his prime years.

These issues still allowed glimpses to shine through, with Lionel Messi highlighting his “frightening” pace in 2020.

The France international’s contract is set to expire at the end of this month, with Chelsea and Tuchel reportedly already in contact with Dembele over a possible move to England.

However, El Chiringuito have reported Xavi has changed his mind over the deal, apparently telling club president Joan Laporta that he wishes to keep the 25-year-old at the club.

This could end Barcelona’s interest in Leeds United’s Raphinha, with Chelsea also reported to be keen to sign the Brazilian, although they face competition from Arsenal and Spurs for the deal.

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Dembele would have been a risk-free deal for the Blues if he was to leave the Nou Camp this summer, and while he may still not choose to resign at the club, Chelsea shouldn’t rely on this deal as a big part of their transfer negotiations.

Rumours have picked up that Raheem Sterling is the focus of Chelsea’s attention, with the England international seemingly looking for a new challenge at the top of the game.

If the club need another attacking star, Raphinha looks a perfect fit for the right-hand-side of their attack, and bringing him in would also stop any direct rivals from strengthening.