Chelsea’s longstanding romance with Ousmane Dembele is well documented.

The France international has ran down his contract with Barcelona, and has flirted with other clubs, especially Chelsea, but is yet to make a final decision on his future.

Chelsea have cooled their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona.

The Frenchman is now officially without a club,  and his representatives have been in talks with Barça over a new deal since late last year.

Barcelona have made it clear that they want to keep Dembele, but the La Liga giants aren’t ready to break the bank to do so.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the club has given a final offer to Dembele, and won’t go beyond that.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s situation, club president Joan Laporta said in quotes reported by Mundo Deportivo: “Dembélé is no longer a Barça player but the issue is economic. If he accepts our conditions, Dembélé will stay at Barça.”

For Chelsea, the Blues have also given a final offer to Dembele, who is said to be disappointed with the offer on ground from Chelsea.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is thought to have made the winger a key target, having coached him at Dortmund.

Dembele, on his part, is well aware of the interest from Chelsea, but has baulked at the contract offer from the Blues.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has called Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele an inconsistent player.

He told talkSPORT: “Dembele… the inconsistency of his football…

“Of course, the talent is there, but consistency is what we want to see.”