French Ligue 1 club, Olympique Lyon has rejected an offer worth €40m tabled by English Premier League side, Chelsea for the striker, Moussa Dembele.

The French club had released an official statement after claim of Chelsea offer, saying it was an unusual step to take.

Chelsea had been tracking the striker when he was at Celtic, the interest which had remained as they monitor his progress.

Showing their interest in the forward, Foot Mercato reported that Chelsea on Thursday submitted an offer worth €40m, but was immediately rejected by Lyon.

It was also gathered that the former premier league champions would return with a better offer, potentially adding French man, Olivier Giroud to the deal.

According to a claim by a French media, Lyon has reiterated its commitment to keep the player. The club has therefore released an official statement to that effect.

According to Ligue 1, they have full confidence in Dembele and are ready to keep him till at least the summer.

With Memphis Depay out of action for the club due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Euro 2020 for Netherland, the club is relying on the frontman this time around ‘to build a successful team for the seasons to come.’

Although Lyon didn’t deny receiving an offer, which may suggest Chelsea tabled it, they are happy that such a huge club is interested in one of their players but have rejected €40m for the player.

This could be a warning signal to the Blues that they’re not keen to listen to any offers for him.

Since his move to the Ligue 1 from Celtic Glasgow, the 23-year-old striker has found the back of the net 30 times and ten times in 25 appearances for his Ligue 1 side during the 2019-20 campaign.

Meanwhile, Foot Mercato also reported that Chelsea might likely hold more talks over a transfer, as they are determined to sign a replacement for the likes of Giroud and Batshuayi, which would be a back up for Tammy Abraham who has been battling a hip injury.

23-year-old Dembele is also in the sight of Manchester United that has been suffering an indifferent form. His deal with Les Gones expires at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed