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Lampard 'surprised' by Moussa Dembele transfer rumours

Frank Lampard admits he is ‘surprised’ by reports linking Chelsea with a move to sign Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.

Chelsea are believed to be in the market for new additions during the transfer window with the club keen to bolster their attacking options, reports emerging this week that the club had seen a £34m bid for Dembele rejected by the Ligue 1 side.

The French forward has impressed since moving to Lyon in a £19.7m deal from Celtic in 2018, scoring 25 league goals in just 51 appearances including 10 so far this season, despite Rudi Garcia’s side’s struggles.

Despite Dembele’s pedigree, Lampard admits to being surprised by rumours linking the former Fulham youngster with a move to Stamford Bridge this winter.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s home clash with Burnley, Lampard said: “He’s a player I know and a player the club know but I’m surprised to see his name pop up so regularly when it’s not popping up in my conversations.

“There’s quite a few players in the last week I can say the same about.

“He’s a player I respect. We’re speaking about strengthening goal-scorers – that’s where we’ve been found pretty short in home games recently.”

When pushed on whether he would confirm Dembele would not be arriving, Lampard refused to rule out the deal but says the 22-year-old is not currently a subject of conversations amongst the club’s hierarchy.

“I don’t want to go cut and dried on anybody. He’s not one that we’re openly talking about. If there’s a decision then I’ll be a big part of that decision.”

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