Ousmane Dembele ‘one step away’ from accepting Barcelona’s December renewal offer

From being one of Barcelona’s perennial absentees to becoming the club’s most influential forwards in the final third of the season, Ousmane Dembele saw an exponential rise last year.

The club were ready to reward the Frenchman with a new contract owing to his improved form and fitness record, but the two parties failed to reach an agreement.

Dembele is said to have repeatedly rejected the Catalans’ offer hoping for an improved salary that never came.

According to reports from Javi Miguel of Diario AS, there has been a complete reversal of the situation. The winger is now just one step away from caving in and accepting the same proposal that has been on the table from December.

Dembele reportedly called Xavi Hernandez on Monday and requested the manager to have a word with Joan Laporta about his demands. However, Xavi firmly replied in the negative and asked Dembele to either accept the terms on the table or leave.

In recent weeks, the Frenchman has continually been linked with moves to PSG and Chelsea. However, his exorbitant wage demands make a move impossible. In the end, all roads seem to have led back home.

This comes as big news for Barcelona’s summer transfer plans as they no longer have to splash €60 million plus on Raphinha. Moreover, it also means that the club will not lose Dembele on a free transfer.

Last season, the 25-year-old started 15 league games for the Blaugranas. In that duration, he scored one goal and provided a whopping 13 assists.

Xavi has always been a big advocate of Dembele’s profile and has gone as far as to call him the best in the world in his position. With the forward set to stay, one could expect further growth in his performance in the coming seasons.