Barça coach Xavi believes wingers Raphinha & Dembele are compatible
Xavi hopes to have the Leeds forward and the Frenchman together next season
After months of negotiations and offers, the Ousmane Dembele saga is coming to an end, with talks to extend his stay at Camp Nou advanced.
As revealed by SPORT, the player and the club are finalising a the details of the contract after his previous deal expired on Thursday.
The issue has generated a lot of controversy among Barcelonismo. Some feels it's a win-win not having to sign a replacement; others would have let him go because of the delays.
Barça coach Xavi is in the former camp. He also wants Raphinha and feels the two are compatible in the same side.
Talks have been ongoing with Raphinha's agent Deco for weeks over a deal and negotiations are progressing with Leeds. Chelsea have already agreed a fee but the player prefers Barça.
TALKS WITH LEEDS
Barça's limit is €55 million in installments. Leeds want €70m, which is how high Chelsea will go.
Xavi wants to wingers in Ousmane and Raphinha. Neither are a goal scorer but with Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, that should not matter.
If, as expected, Dembele signs a new deal, Xavi will have been key. He has always fought for the Frenchman to stay.
Once Barça activate the second palanca, there is optimism they will have the cash to pursue deals for Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kounde, Bernardo Silva and maybe even others.
