Barcelona are planning to step up talks with winger Ousmane Dembele over a contract extension.
The French winger’s deal expires in 2024 and there is a release clause worth €50 million, which will be active this summer. Half of the amount goes to the player.
However, Barca are relaxed over the situation as Dembele wants to commit his future to the club.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Barca’s soon-to-be new sporting director Deco will meet with Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko in the coming days to discuss the French man’s renewal.
The Catalan giants are looking to hand their second-most expensive signing a new deal until 2027 and increase the release clause.
Dembele’s time with the club appeared to be over after being ostracised by Barca at the start of the last year following his refusal to leave.
However, he soon embarked on an impressive run of form. It convinced the Catalan giants to hand him a short-term extension last summer.
Dembele hasn’t looked back since then, carrying on his purple patch to become the most decisive player for Barca.
The 26-year-old racked up eight goals and nine assists in all competitions last season, playing a huge role in Barca’s La Liga title win.
Having grown into an untouchable player under manager Xavi, Dembele will seek a pay rise.
The La Liga club are working to sell undesired players in the squad to trim their bloated wage bill.
Barca have unveiled the signing of free agent Ilkay Gundogan and could follow up with Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, with whom a deal has been agreed.
They are still in contention for Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who is a top target for Saudi giants Al Nassr.
The Croatian prefers a move to Camp Nou, but a deal would be complicated for Barca unless they maximise their sales.
