Manchester United held talks with Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele amidst Chelsea interest
According to Spanish news outlet Sport (h/t Daily Mail Online), Manchester United have engaged in talks with Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele to discuss a potential transfer amidst interest from Chelsea. He was recently involved in failed negotiations over a contract renewal at Camp Nou, which has resulted in him looking for clubs elsewhere.
Barca have asked Dembele to leave Camp Nou following failed discussions over an extension. The attacker will see his current contract expire at the end of the season and is available for a mere £18million. However, his £210,000-a-week salary package is a roadblock for any interested party in getting his services.
Man United have contacted the Frenchman’s representatives alongside Chelsea. Both Ralf Rangnick and Thomas Tuchel are admirers of the forward, which has prompted both clubs to try their hands at signing the Frenchman. He is also on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain, which further raises competition for his signature.
Unnecessary
The asking price is relatively low for someone who still has years left in his bag to reach the potential he had shown at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund. However, the 24-year-old’s wages are overpriced at this instant after applying appropriate context to his situation. He has not really done anything in recent times to warrant such a high salary and hence, we would be wise to steer clear of him.
Even if Rangnick is an admirer of the La Liga star’s quality, one cannot deny the fact that an attacker should not be our priority. If anything, it is the midfield that needs improvement since we have been overrun by our opponents in that area multiple times this campaign.
However, the recent allegations surrounding Mason Greenwood could really change things. If found guilty, the forward should be banished from the squad without a second thought and hopefully, put away behind bars for good.
In the least significant but still a real consequence of such an event, we may have a spot to fill in the forward line. Signing Dembele then would make more sense, but not if it is financially a burden for our club.
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But it would not be easy due to the involvement of the Blues. After all, he rose to become one of the best talents under Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund and it remains to be seen just what preference he has if he seals a move to the PL.
The German coach would probably have a say in this subject, so it remains to be seen if his admiration would push the club to sign the Blaugrana star this month. If his injury issues are behind him and he focuses on upping his game, Dembele could still be a world-beater.
