According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are plotting a surprise bid for London rival’s Tottenham’s Moussa Dembele. Reports are that Dembele would cost £12 million, and would be signed as a replacement for the possibly departing John Obi Mikel.
With Mikel reportedly headed to Turkey or the Middle East, Chelsea will be lacking a little in midfield, despite the emergence of academy-product Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Dembele is not seen as a potential regular starter, but would provide needed depth and cover in midfield, while also being versatile enough to play multiple midfield positions.
The Sun reports that Jose Mourinho is a “big fan” of Dembele, and he watched him during his time at AZ Alkmaar. Mauricio Potchettino sees no spot for the midfielder in his future plans, and would not stand in the way of any move.
The Premier League champion’s interest seems bizarre, not least because it follows a season where the 27-year-old appeared to fall out of favour at White Heart Lane, and thus struggled to make much of an impact. -A Different League
Chelsea have also been rumoured to Axel Witsel recently, suggesting their desire to strengthen their midfield.
The Belgian midfielder made 26 appearances last term, 16 of them coming from the bench. Dembele only managed one goal and one assist all season, and would be nothing more than a peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge, if he were to arrive.
