Chelsea have long been interested in former Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.

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

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.

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 president Joan Laporta has now admitted that no deal has been agreed between Barca and Dembele as well.

“He has not been able to accept our proposal, but he wants to continue talking,” said Laporta.

“We will continue to talk, at least for the time being. Wage balance is necessary for the team to be competitive. All discussions are framed in this context.”

It’s yet to be seen if Chelsea would reignite their interest in Dembele.

According to reports, Chelsea have given a final offer to Dembele, which the Frenchman saw as below par.