Chelsea handed boost in signing French striker

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele ahead of this summer's transfer window.

The Frenchman was the subject of a £34m bid from the Blues in January but Les Gones snubbed the advances while formally ruling out the forward's exit.

Despite this, there has been continuous speculation surrounding the forward's future and 90min claims that Les Gones could be willing to sell Dembele in the summer.

It is added that the Blues are likely to be encouraged to make a renewed approach for the former Celtic man, who has scored 42 goals from 79 appearances for the French outfit.

Dembele has more than three years remaining on his existing deal with the Ligue 1 side. Les Gones are expected to demand more than £40m to part ways with the marksman.

Apart from Chelsea, Manchester United have also been associated with a move for the 23-year-old, who has previous experience of playing in England with Fulham.