Rumored Chelsea transfer target Moussa Dembélé ends speculation about his future

As Chelsea sweat over the fitness of Tammy Abraham, a potential transfer target has ruled himself out of the January sweepstakes.

Olympique Lyonnais center forward Moussa Dembélé has ruled out a potential move for himself in the winter transfer window.

“I am a Lyon player and I will remain so until the end of the season. I do not think that there will be a departure this winter. Lots of things are being said. It is up to me to ignore that and remain concentrated on the pitch.”

-Moussa Dembélé; source: GFFN

Dembélé was speaking to journalists after last night’s dramatic win over Lille in the semifinal of France’s version of the League Cup. Dembélé had scored Lyon’s first (from a penalty) and assisted on what looked like Lyon’s late winning goal (with some strong hold-up play) before former Chelsea striker Loïc Rémy equalized for the visitors in stoppage time (also from the spot). Dembélé then also scored in the penalty kick shootout, which Lyon went on to win 4-3 to advance to the final, where they will face the winner of Reims vs. PSG.

Allowing for the possibility that Dembélé was just overcome with love and emotion after the win and thus spoke too hastily, it sounds like we can definitely cross him off the list.

While Lampard put on a brave face when asked what Chelsea might do if Abraham’s forced to miss any time with the leg (ankle?) injury he appeared to pick up in the already frustrating 2-2 draw against Arsenal, it’s becoming abundantly clear that we need another viable option up front to challenge and/or supplement the youngster. Batshuayi’s simply not getting it done any longer, despite a few key contributions earlier this season.