Chelsea transfer news and rumours: Ousmane Dembele update as inventive bid for Matthijs de Ligt fails

While the Todd Boehly era is yet to bring a men’s first-team signing, Chelsea are expected to have a busy summer.

Thomas Tuchel is keen on attacking signings after a difficult season for his frontline, particularly with Romelu Lukaku set to re-join Inter Milan on loan.

Still, few would doubt the fact Chelsea need to strengthen on the defensive front too, having lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger to Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

With all that in mind, here’s the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours…

Jules Kounde

Chelsea fans will need little reminding about just how long the Jules Kounde saga has dragged on.

Originally a target in 2021, Kounde remains of interest to Tuchel and the club are confident of landing the centre-back despite links with Barcelona.

According to the Daily Mirror, however, those at Stamford Bridge have been set a strict deadline.

Sevilla are believed to have told Chelsea a deal must be completed by July 5, in order to allow them to focus on their own recruitment plans.

Ousmane Dembele

Elsewhere in Spain, Marca claim Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Ousmane Dembele.

While the Frenchman has previously hinted he is happy to remain at Barcelona, the fact he is yet to sign an extension to the contract that runs out at the end of the month naturally leads to continued speculation.

With Tuchel having worked with the forward at Borussia Dortmund, it is claimed the Blues are “best placed” to land the 25-year-old.

Matthijs de Ligt

Over in Italy, Tuttosport claim Juventus have snubbed an offer from Chelsea involving TWO players plus cash for defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Standard Sport understand the Dutch international is admired in SW6 and reports in Italy suggest they launched an offer including either Timo Werner or Christian Pulisic alongside a fee of around £40m.

The Old Lady, however, are said to have snubbed it.