MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Ousmane Dembele with Barcelona worried the attacker will leave on a free transfer.
Dembele’s contract expires in 2022 and the Spanish giants fear he will wait it out before leaving the club for nothing.
According to the Express, Dembele is reluctant to sign a new contract at Barca and is looking to secure more regular football at a new club.
United were linked with a £45million move for Dembele this summer with Barca known to be in financial turmoil following the global pandemic.
Their top target remains Jadon Sancho but United realise Dembele could provide a much cheaper alternative if they are prepared to wait for his contract to run down.
The 23-year-old France international has been dogged by injury problems since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Barca.
Dembele only returned from a ten-month layoff due to muscle and hamstring injuries in September.
Barcelona were reportedly keen to offload Dembele in the summer although the talented attacker is determined to see out his current deal.
It will be a huge blow for Barca if he leaves on a free transfer after forking out £135m in his move from Germany.
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Dembele has yet to deliver on his hefty price tag although the undoubted potential remains if he can stay clear of more injuries.
Arsenal are also interested in the winger with the Gunners needing to add some creativity to their team.
Mikel Arteta has tightened their defence but his focus will be on honing their attack and Dembele’s pace and flair could provide a new dimension to their front line.
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