A fresh insight into the ongoing efforts of Barcelona to tie Ousmane Dembele down to a new contract has been provided on Saturday evening.
Speculation surrounding the future of wide-man Dembele has of course been rampant for some time now.
This comes with the Frenchman, amid what, all told, has proven a frankly underwhelming stint at the Camp Nou, having seen the terms of his previous deal officially come to a close this week.
Initially, it was viewed as something of a foregone conclusion that Dembele, in turn, would go on to find pastures new, having failed time and time again to prove his ability to maintain fitness to the powers that be at Barcelona.
The latter months of this past season, though, saw the situation dramatically altered.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 03: Ousmane Dembélé with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Camp Nou on April 03, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
This came as the 25-year-old provided all associated with the Blaugrana with a timely reminder of his creative talents, en route to a Spanish top-flight leading 13 assists, in just 21 appearances.
Reports, in turn, have long begun to spread that the Catalans have changed their tune when it comes to Dembele’s future, hopeful of tying the explosive winger down for the prime years of his career.
And now, as alluded to above, a fresh insight into the situation has been provided.
The info comes courtesy of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who first relays new quotes on the part of Barca president Joan Laporta.
The Spanish patron has confirmed that ‘optimism’ is growing on the part of all associated with the club that an agreement with Dembele is inching closer, on the terms of a contract through the summer of 2024.
This comes with the pressure of boss Xavi having given rise to ‘progress’ between the two parties in the latest round of negotiations.
Ousmane Dembélé deal. Laporta says there’s “no deadline”, but all parties feel now ‘optimistic’ to reach agremeent on two year deal. 🚨🇫🇷 #FCB
New contract on the table until June 2024. Talks are “progressing” with Xavi pushing to keep Ousmane, but it’s still not 100% agreed. pic.twitter.com/WESSPBz5O0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2022
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