Xavi looking to convince Ousmane Dembélé to remain at Barcelona | OneFootball

L’Équipe report this morning that Ousmane Dembélé’s Barcelona future remains up in the air, with just five days left on his contract – his manager Xavi has called him to try to convince him stay.

Despite contract renewal talks resuming in April, with the French international rehabilitated under Xavi after initially falling out with the club over the distance in their respective demands, the situation remains at a standstill.

The financial conditions of a deal are still a stumbling block, despite the World Cup winner’s good second half to the season, finishing as La Liga’s best passer on 13 assists.

Barcelona have offered €18m gross, while Dembélé wants that figure after tax. Nevertheless, talks are not as strained as a few months ago and the two parties’ positions are not as distant anymore.

Despite the incoming revenue from the partial sale of La Liga’s broadcasting rights, the team’s wage bill remains an issue that needs solving before any potential arrivals. Dembélé is hoping for another offer, with Leeds’ asking price for Raphinha (€70m) leading them to look for a solution closer to home when it comes to reinforcing the wing.

Xavi wants the former Rennes and Borussia Dortmund man to stay on so as to provide a level of continuity in his squad, while Dembélé also has his mind on getting into Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad. For now, a meeting has not been scheduled between Barcelona and their wide man.