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Chelsea’s summer transfer window attacking shortlist revealed

By Gabe Henderson

Lille's Canadian forward Jonathan David (L) fights for the ball with Chelsea's French midfielder N'Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Lille (LOSC) and Chelsea FC at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on March 16, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lille's Canadian forward Jonathan David (L) fights for the ball with Chelsea's French midfielder N'Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Lille (LOSC) and Chelsea FC at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on March 16, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona’s French forward Ousmane Dembele (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona’s French forward Ousmane Dembele (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Ousmane Dembele

Chelsea needs to create more chances for its forwards—it’s as simple as that. The club willingly invested £97.5 million into bringing a world class goalscorer to Stamford Bridge last summer with Lukaku, and to say he’s been underwhelming would be an understatement. The blame doesn’t all fall on the No. 9 though, the Blues simply need to get more creative inside the 18-yard box. Luckily, the next name on the wishlist seems to be the most realistic option of all of Chelsea’s shortlisted options up front.

Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele was at the forefront of every attacking conversation just a few seasons ago when he made the switch to the Camp Nou following back-to-back successful campaigns in France and Germany. He commanded a transfer fee in excess of £115 million after add-ons and just five years later, he is available for free.

The Blues represent one of the most realistic landing spots for Dembele for numerous reasons. First, the Frenchman was at his very best when working with the current Chelsea boss. Tuchel turned Dembele into one of the most lethal wide threats in all of world football in 2016/17. The talented prospect blossomed into an attacking phenom across the 49-game season when he scored 10 goals and tacked on 21 assists. Unfortunately, injuries have prevented him from reaching his best again during his five seasons in Spain.

If Dembele can stay healthy though, he’s one of the best chance creators in Europe. The Barcelona winger played in just over half (21) of his side’s matches in La Liga this season. Despite this, he ranked third in the Spanish top flight for big chances created with 13, trailing only Karim Benzema and Iker Muniain. He topped the charts for assists, as well, with 13 to his name. Dembele did manage just one goal in that period, but a proven goalscorer isn’t exactly what the Blues need right now. They need to create more and better opportunities for their strikers. It goes without saying the 25-year-old would undoubtedly help out in this department.

He’s succeeded in three of Europe’s top five leagues already throughout his young career. Factor that in with the aforementioned reality that Tuchel got the best out of him and there is little doubt he’d be a hit with Chelsea. The Blues are locked in a battle for the Frenchman’s signature right now, but there is a very real possibility that this free transfer could happen in the coming weeks.

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