Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Winning Moussa Dembele Race, Top Rumours

Chelsea have reportedly taken the lead over Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Moussa Dembele, after the Fulham striker attended the Blues' recent Premier League defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Simon Jones of MailOnline detailed why Spurs are backing away from the gifted French attacker:

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The 19-year-old was close to signing for the White Hart Lane club in January only for the £6million deal to fall through when Fulham insisted he stay with them on loan.

His representatives had expected Tottenham to retain their interest and make a move this summer but the club have opted to look elsewhere.

Dembele, who is out of contract in the summer, was understood to be a guest of Chelsea's as he attended their 3-0 defeat by Manchester City on Saturday evening.

The Stamford Bridge club have expressed an interest in signing the former Paris Saint-Germain trainee, who moved to London at 16.

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But Spurs no longer being involved doesn't necessarily clear the path for Chelsea. Jones also noted how quite a queue is forming for Dembele, including Premier League rivals Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United. Serie A duo Juventus and Napoli are also in the mix.

Still, Chelsea's need for another quality striker is greater than most. Regular starter Diego Costa can be lethal on his day but not when injuries and disciplinary issues blight the Spain international.

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Costa has even been linked with a return to former club Atletico Madrid, according to Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian.

Even if Costa stays, the options behind him are not always the most inspiring.

Bertrand Traore has impressed in brief action since Guus Hiddink succeeded Jose Mourinho as manager. But Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy have both offered little.

Dembele may be plying his trade a division below, but his talent and potential seem beyond debate.

Back in October, the London Evening Standard's Tom Collomosse noted how Dembele has been likened to a prolific former Blues striker: "Dembele’s playing style—he is a centre-forward with speed, power, strength and improving technique—has drawn comparisons with Nicolas Anelka, the former France forward who represented some of the finest clubs in Europe—Real Madrid, Arsenal, PSG and Chelsea."

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Meanwhile, FourFourTwo's Jamie Kemp credited the French teenager with a "heady blend of pace and strength." Those are qualities any squad would welcome.

If Chelsea are rolling out the red carpet for Dembele, it's a move that should please incoming new manager Antonio Conte. Signing Fulham's prized possession would represent an excellent first step toward Conte rebuilding a decaying squad ahead of next season.

Bundesliga Club Want Permanent Move for Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen has been on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach for two seasons. Now the Bundesliga club wants to take the Danish defender on a permanent deal.

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Sporting director Max Eberl recently made that clear during a meeting with shareholders, according to TalkSPORT: "You can be sure that we will do everything we can to sign him on a long-term contract."

But the same report also indicated how Chelsea remain intent on making their own decision regarding Christensen's long-term future at Stamford Bridge. It makes sense for the Blues to consider keeping any young defender with talent.

The decline of a once-stable back four has been at the root of Chelsea's struggles this season, with age a big factor. Skipper John Terry, now 35, is expected to leave, while 30-year-old Gary Cahill has struggled for top form, along with 32-year-old Branislav Ivanovic.

Needing to refresh, Chelsea already have 21-year-old Frenchman Kurt Zouma, who is recovering from injury. The club also signed 20-year-old Matt Miazga from MLS side New York Red Bulls.

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It will be important for Conte and his staff to properly assess Christensen and see if he can also develop alongside these youngsters. He's played 27 times in the Bundesliga this season, per WhoScored.com, featuring for a Gladbach defence that's conceded 47 league goals, according to Sky Sports.

Chelsea need to get younger in every key area of the team. Taking a chance on Dembele's potential is a wise move for a club desperately in need of striker help.

It would be smarter still to add at least one youthful and versatile defender to the senior ranks before the new campaign begins.