The Premier League leaders are currently weighing up a last minute move for highly-rated Celtic FC sensation Moussa Dembele.

According to a report in Sky Sports, Chelsea want to bring the supremely talented 20-year-old to Stamford Bridge in what might be the biggest transfer to happen on deadline day. The report states that it will cost Chelsea a massive £40 million to prise the Frenchman away from Celtic Park.

The Scottish giants will reportedly not even consider any amount lesser than the aforementioned fee and according to the Guardian, Chelsea are still deciding whether they ought to table an offer today, or wait till the summer to launch their assault for the youngster.

Since moving to the Scottish Premiership last summer, he has more than lived up to the great potential he showed at Fulham. He has been a revelation for Brendan Rodgers’ side, amassing 20 goals and 5 assists in a mere 38 appearances in all competitions this season.

So it comes as no surprise, that nearly every major European club want him. Other than Chelsea, he was a rumoured target for Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, former club PSG, and even Manchester United and Liverpool, who were both reportedly set to lodge their bids for him this month.

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Moussa Dembele of Celtic celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach and Celtic at Borussia-Park on November 1, 2016 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 01: Moussa Dembele of Celtic celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach and Celtic at Borussia-Park on November 1, 2016 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Picture Courtesy – Getty Images)

Chelsea have been long term admirers of the French U21-international. They were interested in signing him in the summer when he was still at Fulham, as they looked to provide adequate cover for Diego Costa prior to the purchase of Michy Batshuayi.

However, the Belgian international has failed to establish himself as a regular in Antonio Conte’s side and is yet to start a Premier League match in his first 6 months. All of his starts have come in Cup ties so far and he has constantly been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

In 19 appearances, he has managed 5 goals and 3 assists in all competitions. AC Milan, Juventus and Valencia were some of the clubs rumoured to be possible destinations for a loan spell and Chelsea were also linked with Fernando Llorente from Swansea in a bid to replace him.

However, his talent is undoubted and Chelsea will certainly give him more time to adjust to Conte’s philosophy. But Chelsea need a quick fix at the moment and Dembele seems like the perfect long term option, who can also serve as an understudy to Diego Costa at least till the summer.

A huge bid would catch Dembele’s other suitors off guard and acquiring him would certainly benefit Conte’s side, but the prospect of not getting regular first team minutes may not appeal to the 20-year-old, who needs to play as much as he can to further his development. He may very well like to wait till the summer when bids come in from him from the other European superpowers and have his pick.

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