Ousmane Dembele has been linked with a move Liverpool this transfer window, but the Frenchman is set to put pen to paper with a new Barcelona contract.
Jürgen Klopp has long-admired Dembele’s abilities, but a move to Anfield now looks to be completely off the cards this summer for the 25-year-old.
The Daily Mail report Barcelona have grown more optimistic in their contract talks with the free agent, with Dembele ready to take a pay cut to stay in Catalonia.
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Whether Barcelona’s pursuit of Leeds United’s Raphinha will impact Dembele’s future is unclear. The Brazilian international is dangling for a move to the Spanish giants despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
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Raphinha is not the only forward Barça are eyeing up this summer. Robert Lewandowski could also join the Catalonian side from Bayern Munich.
If all goes to plan, Barcelona could form a front three of Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Dembele, which would be represent one of Europe’s most fearsome attacks.
It would appear likely deals for such incomings will be funded by Frenkie De Jong’s departure.
United and Barcelona have agreed an initial fee of €65 million, with the details of the €20 million worth of add-ons still to be ironed out.
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Bringing in Dembele on a free would have considered a high priority by Liverpool this summer if Mo Salah’s future remained up in the air, but their interest will have inevitably cooled following the Egyptian’s record-breaking contract extension.
As such, if the Reds are to sign another forward this summer, it’ll likely be a cheaper option with regard to wage. PSV’s Cody Gakpo is believed to be on the club’s radar.
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Chelsea on the other hand find themselves in a spot of bother. With Dembele set to stay at Barça and Raphinha potentially joining him, the Blues are missing out on two key transfer targets.
Dembele’s situation is not yet fundamentally cleared up. Chelsea and PSG will continue to monitor his contract issues with Barça.
However, Liverpool would appear to be out of the race to sign him.
Topics: Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona