Barcelona star aware of Chelsea interest as Blues monitor cheaper alternative to Raphinha - Reports

Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele is aware of Chelsea's interest in him. Tha Blues could snap him up if they fail to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to Sportwitness.

Dembele, who becomes a free agent on July 1, would be a cheaper option as the Blues could sign him on a free transfer. The report mentions that the French winger is aware of the west London side's interest in him.

The Blues reportedly submitted a bid worth £60 million to enter into an agreement with Leeds over the sale of Raphinha earlier this week. However, the player and his agent have slowed down the talks since then due to the Brazilian's wish to join Barcelona.

Barcelona are also keen to bring in the 25-year-old winger from Leeds, who scored 11 goals and created three more in 36 appearances for the Peacocks last season. The Blues could find a cheaper alternative in free agent Dembele. It should be noted, however, that Dembele is likely to command a high wage.

The French winger, who joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 as a replacement for Neymar, is now a free agent. His contract with the Blaugrana expired on June 30, so the Blues could bring him in on a free transfer.

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Should Chelsea sign Ousmane Dembele?

Dembele, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France, was tipped to be one of the best players in the game back in 2017. It earned him a €105 million (initial fee) transfer to the Camp Nou from Borussia Dortmund.

The winger was unable to deliver on his potential, though, as repeated injuries and inconsistent performances saw him get reduced to a bit-part player.

However, since the turn of the year, Dembele has found his old touch. He registered 11 assists in the last 14 games he played for the Blaugrana in La Liga, helping Xavi's men finish second in the league.

At Chelsea, he would be reunited with his former Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel, who was able to get the most out of the ambidextrous winger. Dembele is adept at playing on either wing and would add versatility to the Blues' attack.

Most importantly, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen having left the club, the Blues need to address their defense first, with new reinforcements likely to cost a lot.

It would be wise for Chelsea to spend less on upgrading their attack. So they should opt to sign a free agent like Dembele over an expensive option like Raphinha.