Chelsea will reportedly have to wait till the summer of 2017 in their pursuit of Celtic prodigy Moussa Dembele, a Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate
As per London Evening Standard, Chelsea are set for some January disappointment in the transfer market. The Blues were linked with a sensational deadline day swoop for the former Paris Saint-Germain ace Moussa Dembele. But latest developments have cleared that the Blues will have to wait till the summer to land the Celtic prodigy.
Chelsea were on deadline day linked with a sensational move for Moussa Dembele, despite Brendan Rodgers maintaining the stance that the star will not be sold, at least in the current campaign. The Blues were considering a £40 million bid for the French sensation.
Emerging from the Paris Saint-Germain academy, the player has broken out onto the European scene after moving to Celtic Park in a low-money move from Fulham. The 20-year-old has 20 goals and 5 assists already this season so far and could be set for a 30+ season.
But, perhaps, an even more assuring fact surrounding the talent is the big game pedigree of the French ace.
A brace against Manchester City in the Champions League and 5 goals in 3 games against Rangers FC in the Old Firm derby, one that includes a hattrick in one of the three fixtures are a proof of how Dembele remains unfazed by the big occasions and relishes the opportunity to be the man on the limelight, to be the game changer.
Chelsea have also been courting Scottish veteran Craig Gordon but seem to have admitted defeat in the pursuit of the 34-year-old. And as per the report, they are to face disappointment in Dembele’s pursuit as well.
Antonio Conte has been having troubles up front with Diego Costa the only quality option available and the Spaniard himself has often cast doubts on his Chelsea future with various incidents. With Chelsea leading the Premier League table, Conte has been eyeing a striker to beef up his attack and add a proper backup to Diego Costa.
Moussa Dembele’s valuation may further increase by the end of the season and there is no telling how many top European clubs will emerge as rivals to Chelsea in their pursuit of the Frenchman, especially with Liverpool, Manchester United, PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid all credited with interest in the 20-year-old.
But it seems unlikely that Conte will be able to add the prodigious talent to his squad and looks like Dembele will continue to set Celtic Park ablaze, for atleast the entirety of the 2016-17 campaign, if not more.
