Earlier today we covered claims from France of a Chelsea offer for Moussa Dembele.
The Blues were repeatedly linked with the striker when he was at Celtic, and it was explained the interest had remained. As far as Foot Mercato had it, Chelsea had submitted an offer worth €40m, one which was immediately rejected by Lyon.
It was thought the Premier League club would return with a better offer, potentially using Olivier Giroud as part of the deal.
These kind of claims are often made and this specific one has only really been pushed by one French outlet, who claimed it as an exclusive. Despite that, Lyon have released an official statement, reaffirming their desire to keep the player.
The Ligue 1 side published the following on their official website: ‘Olympique Lyonnais has taken note of certain information relayed by the media suggesting that Moussa Dembele could interest other clubs during this transfer window.
OL would like to reaffirm its wish, as in the summer of 2019, to keep Moussa Dembele.
The club has full confidence in Moussa and counts in particular on him to build a successful team for the seasons to come.’
Interestingly, Lyon haven’t denied receiving an offer, which may suggest it was actually made or that the French side are quite happy for the idea to be out there that they’ve rejected €40m for the player.
It could also be a shot to Chelsea to make it clear they’re not keen, and therefore a warning not to contact the player.
