‘There is an offer’: Club president confirms Chelsea target has received offer to stay, told to adapt wage demands

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Barcelona President Joan Laporta has claimed Ousmane Dembele has received an offer to stay at the Nou Camp this for the upcoming season.

However, it appears the Catalan side are not prepared to fold under the Frenchman’s previous demands, keeping Chelsea firmly in the hunt for securing a deal.

The 25-year-old is currently without a club after his Barcelona contract expired at the end of June, with him reportedly way out in terms of salary demands compared to what the club are willing to offer.

This reportedly piqued the interest of Chelsea, with the prospect of pairing Thomas Tuchel with Dembele again after their short but successful spell together at Borussia Dortmund.

Dembele receives offer to stay

While the Blues are still keen on a deal, Barcelona have refused to give up on the potential of him staying with them, with Laporta claiming the ball is in the player’s court now.

He said: “Dembele is no longer a Barça player. We continue to discuss, and we are open, there is an offer, if he accepts our proposal he will be there, otherwise not because we are not going to distort the salary issue. We have to adapt to the salary structure.”

“Dembele must accept our offer to continue, if he doesn’t, he will leave.”

Chelsea had seemingly turned their attentions towards deals for Raheem Sterling and Raphinha for deals for potential wingers. However, Barcelona may still have a say on this front, with the Brazilian far more keen on a move to play under Xavi.

While a deal for Sterling still looks likely, the Blues may move back in for Dembele, with the desire to strengthen both wings just two of the many signings the club are looking to complete this summer.