CHELSEA are in pole position to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this summer, according to reports.
The Blues are set to be handed a huge transfer budget to spend in the upcoming window following Todd Boehly's £4.25billion takeover.
Officials have already compiled a list of potential targets, with Dembele, 25, considered a top priority.
And according to the Mail, they are in the best position to complete the deal as fellow competitors PSG have withdrawn from the race.
The Parisians will focus on bolstering their midfield instead, so they are no longer considering a swoop for the Frenchman.
This acts as a huge boost for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel, who is said to be thrilled by the prospect of a reunion.
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The Chelsea boss worked with Dembele at Borussia Dortmund and is a known admirer of him.
He even previously described the star as "one of the crasiest talents" he has ever seen.
Dembele joined Barcelona from Dortmund for a record £125million fee in 2017.
Since his arrival he has made 150 appearances for the club where he has scored 32 goals and assisted 34.
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The Frenchman has been plagued with injury issues throughout his career at the Nou Camp which has limited his time on the pitch.
And as a result, he has not negotiated a new deal with the Catalan giants so he will be free to leave when his current contract expires at the end of this month.
Chelsea are also looking to strengthen in other areas of the pitch, starting with their defence.
The Blues are hoping to complete a deal for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, who is expected to cost around £68million.
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Tuchel and his staff are also considering alternative options, including Juventus star Mathijs de Ligt.
However, they may have to compete with Manchester United who are also keen to sign the Dutchman.
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