Why Chelsea must return with a renewed bid for Moussa Dembele
Chelsea have been warned off a January bid for Moussa Dembele after Lyon took the unusual step of publicly reaffirming their desire to keep the striker (h/t Daily Express).
Dembele is one of a number of forwards Chelsea have been considering to bolster head coach Frank Lampard’s attacking options.
However, Lyon have released a statement in response to Chelsea’s £34million bid for Moussa Dembele, stating that they wish to keep the player at the club for the upcoming seasons.
The Frenchman has scored 10 goals in 18 Ligue 1 games this season, prompting a number of Premier League clubs to take note of the former Celtic man.
With question marks over both Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud’s future, a move for Dembele would make sense for Lampard.
Aston Villa want to sign Michy Batshuayi for the remainder of the season. Batshuayi, who has already enjoyed loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace, hasn’t started a Premier League fixture under Frank Lampard this season. Dean Smith’s side are reported to have already made an enquiry for the Belgian forward after Wesley was ruled out until the end of the season with an ACL injury.
With Tammy Abraham being the only realistic option upfront, Chelsea need to add another striker to their squad.
The former Fulham forward has scored 30 goals in 71 appearances since joining Lyon from Celtic in 2018.
Dembele is a terrific player and has proven himself in the Ligue 1. Many players have moved to the Premier League and have thrived. Lampard prefers to play with a young team and that suits someone like Dembele.
He has been lethal in front of the goal and with age on his side, he would be an excellent signing for Chelsea. The club must go all out for him in January.
