Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Exclusive: Newcastle ready to pounce as Barcelona prepare sale of top attacking asset they absolutely love

Ousmane Dembele and Gavi

Ousmane Dembele has a real interest in playing in the Premier League and there is a real chance it could happen this summer, TEAMtalk understands.

Barcelona are huge fans of the player, but he has just over 12 months left on the contract he signed last summer and that could mean him walking away for nothing in 2024.

His new deal also saw him take a salary reduction due to Barca’s financial issues and their plans to re-sign Lionel Messi.

And speaking exclusively to TEAMtalk, transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed the latest on Dembele’s situation and any hopes of English clubs snapping up his signature.

Bailey said: “Barca fully intend on bringing Messi back to the club but to get La Liga approval on that, something is going to have to give and that is going to mean some big names leaving.

“Dembele could very well be one of those given he has genuine interest. Chelsea and Arsenal both liked him last summer, when he was considering leaving, but now Newcastle have shown a real interest.

“Dembele is a superstar, and a fascinating option now for a number of clubs – the next few weeks will be telling.”

The thought of Dembele joining the Newcastle revolution could be a scary one for the rest of the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s side already have plenty of pace in their forward line in the form of both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, but the France international is quicker than both Toon frontmen.

Barca could be forced into Dembele sale

And despite the Catalan side wanting to keep the wide man, they are well aware that he is a very sellable asset and are likely to field offers in the summer.

Dembele is currently valued at £53million, as per transfermarkt, although it’s unlikely he will cost that much if he only has a year left on his contract.

Despite only being 25 years of age, Dembele has dealt with numerous injury issues during his time at the Nou Camp. And while that is not expected to stop a potential transfer this summer, it’s certainly something that suitors will likely consider.

As for in-form Newcastle, they are back in action on Thursday night when they head to struggling Everton in the Premier League.

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