Liverpool and Arsenal have suffered a setback in their ambitious plans to tempt Ousmane Dembele away from Barcelona as the flying French winner will remain at the club in January, according to ESPN.
According to the publication, Dembele has not told the Spanish giants that he wants to leave and the club will not sell him, just 18 months after splashing out big money to land one of the most talented youngsters in Europe.
Barca spent €145m on Dembele after losing Neymar to PSG in football’s most expensive transfer ever. Since that move, the French winger has been plagued with injuries, but it the attitude of the player which has come in for criticism this term, although his form on the pitch has been excellent.
His talent is undeniable and his vital last-minute winner against Atletico Madrid at the weekend could go a long way to delivering Barcelona the La Liga title come May. Dembele has been limited to substitute appearances given his bad attitude, but his performances have meant the club are unwilling to get rid.
Arsenal fans were hoping for a reunion with former Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who Dembele linked up with well in the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp was keeping track on the World Cup winner’s availability, however, both clubs look to have been shut down with this latest news.
Dembele stays for now, and could become a superstar if he turns around his attitude issues. Barcelona are willing to give him time, given the significant fee they invested in the youngster.
