Thomas Tuchel ‘pushing’ for France star to bolster misfiring attack

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is reported to be ‘pushing’ for a reunion with a former colleague in an attempt to breathe life into his impotent attacking unit.

The future of Ousmane Dembele has been ambiguous, to say the least. Reports have changed by the day although the two options in front of the Frenchman have remained unchanged – stay or go.

Dembele is out of contract at the end of this month and has been embroiled in a back and forth with Barcelona over a new deal since January.

To this point, he has shown no inclination to sign an extension, with the offer tabled reportedly below the amount he values his services.

The Catalan side look to be standing firm, therefore, setting the saga on course for a bitter break-up between the player and club.

Where did it all go wrong between Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona?

Since arriving in Catalunya, Dembele has failed to substantiate the anticipation generated in being the second most expensive signing of all time at £96m, potentially rising to £135.5m.

Not helped by injury, the 25-year-old’s standing across Europe and within his national team has declined in parallel with Barcelona’s fortunes as a collective.

His level of performance in the near five years after joining has sparked discussions regarding whether a supposed lack of discipline was causing the sub-par output.

That being said, Dembele enjoyed some of his best football – albeit somewhat isolated in terms of comparisons – in the latter stages of the 2021/22 season.

Xavi denounces debate around Dembele’s temperament

Club legend, Xavi’s appointment spelled a shift in Dembele’s application, leading his manager to quash claims vilifying his player.

"“Ousmane’s contract is up in June and it’s a matter that’s between the club and him. I see him as being happy. He’s acting like a true professional. I’m very happy with him,” Xavi exclaimed in February this year.“Even when he knew he wasn’t in the squad, he’s been a model professional. I haven’t had the slightest problem with Ousmane.“I’ve heard all sorts of things: that he hasn’t been professional and that he hasn’t looked after himself. I can tell you now that it’s the complete opposite, he’s looking after himself, is professional, has been training well, and is positive in and around the group.Via: Sky Sports"

Notwithstanding the question marks surrounding his temperament, the former Borussia Dortmund man’s form simply hasn’t been at the level expected.

Dembele has a record of 32 goals and 34 assists in 149 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions. For the average player, this is a suitable return, but the 2016/17 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season wasn’t an average player.

Thomas Tuchel has faith in Ousmane Dembele

A person that remains hopeful of Ousmane Dembele is if reports are to be believed, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

Together in their time at Dortmund, Tuchel saw the full extent of Dembele’s ability first-hand before they both sought pastures new.

News coming out of Spain suggests the German manager is hell-bent on overseeing their reunion as he looks to strengthen his options in attack.

Marca, as quoted by Sport Witness, states Tuchel is ‘pushing’ higher-ups at Chelsea to explore Dembele’s potential transfer to Stamford Bridge. The article goes on to report the Blues boss ‘knows his potential’ and is keen to aid him in reigniting his career.

Tuchel favours an attacking treble in his familiar 3-4-3 formation with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount the only representatives who are perceived to have solidified their place in the matchday squad, at least.

The likes of Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech to name a few have failed to provide a consistent return, in effect leading to uncertainty surrounding their future.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling is another option on Thomas Tuchel’s shortlist but whether that has a bearing on the pursuit of Dembele remains to be seen.