Ousmane Dembele was strongly linked with a move away from Barcelona in January following poor form under former boss Ronald Koeman which looked like it could continue under new boss Xavi. However, the legendary midfielder appears to have breathed a new lease of life into the French winger, with a new deal now seemingly on the table.
The World Cup winner has made eleven assists since December as the La Liga side have climbed out of mid table, this includes a run of nine assists in eight games during February and March. Chelsea were linked with the 24-year-old in January and targeted a deadline day move but that may have to wait due to the winger's revitalised form.
The right-sided forward became the second most expensive player in history in 2017 with a 105 million plus a reported €40 million add-ons but struggled to impose himself at the Nou Camp and his transfer was subject to scrutiny when the club's financial problems emerged.
ALSO READ: Petr Cech makes Chelsea 'meltdown' claim
These financial issues still exist and it is being reported by Spanish outlet Sport that Dembele is willing to take a wage cut in order to remain at the Catalan giants. His current €250,000 per week wages would have to be slashed in order to stay but Barca front man Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has insisted that Dembele should stay.
Dembele assisted Aubameyang for a goal in the weekend's 3-2 win over Levante and when speaking after the game, he made his feelings clear as to what he thought the former Borussia Dortmund star should do next. After the game the former Arsenal forward said: “He [Dembele] has to stay.”
Barcelona are likely to finish second in La Liga this season which is a remarkable turnaround after being in mid table under Ronald Koeman earlier in the season. Xavi has led the revitalised club up the table and recently spoke of Dembele's professionalism since he re-joined the club in November.
He said prior to the win over Levante: “I have said several times, since November until now, what I have seen from Dembele is professionalism. He is a difference-maker, trains well, follows the rules and is loved by his teammates. I notices that he is positive and there is nothing to complain about, he gives us a lot and helps us defensively as well.”
