Barcelona speedster Ousmane Dembele has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United once again heading into the summer window.
According to a report from Spanish publication Sport, Manchester United are considering a move for Barcelona’s French attacking star Ousmane Dembele in the upcoming transfer window.
Dembele arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2017. Signed from Borussia Dortmund for a mammoth transfer fee in order to replace Neymar, the Frenchman has largely struggled during his time in Catalonia due to various injury and fitness issues.
But there have been signs of steady progress under Ronald Koeman this season as Dembele has emerged as one of Barcelona’s brightest attackers in 2020/21. So far this term, the 23-year-old has featured 35 times across all competitions producing a tally of nine goals and four assists in the process.
Dembele’s current contract with Barcelona runs out in the summer of 2022, which has alerted Manchester United into considering making a swoop for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. The Red Devils were intent on landing the 23-year-old last summer as well but a move did not materialise as negotiations between the two clubs broke down.
While Manchester United did strengthen their right-wing department with Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri, the duo is seen as options for the future. And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer & co. need someone who can make a difference right now, considering as Daniel James and Mason Greenwood haven’t had the best of seasons thus far.
So, a right-sided winger is likely to be on the top of Manchester United’s shopping list in the summer, with Jadon Sancho being linked once again while Dembele has also emerged as a viable alternative for the 20-time English champions.
To that end, the Premier League giants have already held talks with the Frenchman and his family, proposing that they either make an offer for him this summer or wait till his contract runs out and sign him for nothing a year later. Barcelona, however, are intent on holding on to the 23-year-old with Koeman happy with how he has performed this term.
Amidst this, an alternate report from Mundo Deportivo has claimed that reigning Serie A champions Juventus are also keen on signing Dembele in the summer transfer window. The Bianconeri could be in the market for a new forward amid question marks over the future of Paulo Dybala.
Five players Juventus can target as potential Cristiano Ronaldo successor this summer | THT Opinions
In addition, there have also been doubts raised surrounding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin as well, which could prompt Juventus into bolstering their attack ahead of next season. With Dembele entering the final year of his contract, he is seen as a viable target for the club.
Barcelona, though, remain intent on extending his contract, although the player’s wage demands could throw a roadblock in negotiations. In case an agreement is not arrived upon, the Catalans will be forced into putting Dembele up for sale in the summer to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing next year.
