Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a late move for Ousmane Dembele, who could leave Barcelona by Monday.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, the list of suitors pursuing Ousmane Dembele continues to grow despite the issues surrounding him. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are the latest Premier League clubs to show an interest in the Barcelona contract rebel, who could be on the move by Monday’s transfer deadline.
Ousmane Dembele’s Barcelona spell appears to be drawing to a close in an acrimonious manner, much like the end of his stint with Borussia Dortmund in August 2017. Four and a half years ago, the Frenchman had joined the Blaugrana as a possible long-term replacement for Neymar. But a spate of injuries and poor form have paved the way for a failed Barcelona career for Dembele.
To date, the 24-year-old has racked up 31 goals and 23 assists in 129 appearances for Barcelona. But Dembele’s stint with the Blaugrana will end this year after the two parties reached a point of no return after long-drawn contract negotiations. And his next destination could be the Premier League, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur joining the race to sign him.
The interest from Arsenal could be stemming from their failed pursuit of Dejan Kulusevski, who is coincidentally closing in on joining Tottenham this month. With Nicolas Pepe proving to be a dud since his arrival from LOSC Lille, the Gunners have to sign a wide-attacker, despite the exploits of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
On the other hand, Tottenham’s eagerness to pursue a player like Dembele comes as a bit of a surprise, especially if they sign Kulusevski from Juventus. But it looks like Antonio Conte is demanding two attacking additions this month after failed pursuits of Luis Diaz and new Barcelona player Adama Traore.
Arsenal could include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a key target for Barcelona, while Tottenham will be pursuing a straight deal. Interestingly, the completion of Aubameyang’s move to Barcelona reportedly hinges on the departure of Dembele, meaning a part-exchange agreement could work well for both clubs.
But there are several other Premier League clubs also pursuing a deal for Dembele, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United among his reported suitors. It will be interesting to see how the entry of Arsenal and Tottenham in the picture changes things as the 24-year-old approaches the end of his Barcelona stint.
Dembele and Arteta….oil and water.