Chelsea handed Ousmane Dembele transfer boost?

Chelsea have been handed a potential transfer boost on Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele, according to L'Equipe.

The Blues were heavily interested in signing Dembele on a free transfer this summer, but he ended up penning a new deal at Camp Nou.

Dembele has started this season in superb fashion with two goals and four assists, but there are still doubts over his long-term future.

According to L'Equipe, the Frenchman was convinced to sign an extension this summer after Barcelona inserted a €50 million release clause.

The buy-out clause will become active in June 2023, thereby opening the door for some of Europe's elite clubs to move for his services.

Dembele currently earns close to €330,000-a-week. The Blues were reportedly prepared to offer him a higher salary package.

The west London giants could return with a lucrative offer next summer. At €50m, Dembele would be a bargain signing if he stays fit.

The 25-year-old has missed nearly 800 days of first-team football with injuries at Barcelona, but he has the chance to redeem himself.