Chelsea cool interest in signing Celtic striker Moussa Dembele

Chelsea have given up on signing France youth international striker Moussa Dembele, according to the Evening Standard.

The defending Premier League champions, who visit Arsenal (19:45) on Wednesday night in the top-flight, were linked with a move for the Celtic forward during this month’s transfer window after initial interest last summer.

The 21-year-old, who has featured 10 times for France’s Under-21 side, has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership leaders so far this season.

Dembele, who joined Brendan Rodgers’ side back in June 2016, has netted an impressive 40 times in 70 games overall for Celtic.

Anderlecht’s Adrien Trebel in action with Celtic’s Moussa Dembele.

However, the report suggests Blues boss Antonio Conte has cooled his interest in the French forward, especially after being scared off by his £40m price tag last year.

Instead, Chelsea will turn their attentions to the likes of AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Red Star Belgrade striker Richmond Boakye to boost their firepower during the New Year market.

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