Chelsea have strong interest in signing Barcelona star

Chelsea have a strong interest in signing Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele during this summer's transfer window.

The Frenchman was fancied to join the Blues in January, but a deal did not materialise before the transfer deadline.

He is now free to choose his next club when his contract expires on June 30, and Chelsea appear favourites to sign him.

Paris Saint-Germain were previously the front-runners, but their interest has cooled with the imminent exit of sporting director Leonardo.

The Blues are growing optimistic of convincing the World Cup winner ahead of Barcelona, who are struggling to keep him.

Their contract proposal has been rejected by the 25-year-old, who seems up for a new challenge in the prime of his career.

Dembele had another injury-plagued campaign last term, but still registered one goal and 13 assists from 21 La Liga games.

He previously played under Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, and a reunion could be ideal for him.