Marca, a Spanish news site, has provided an update on Barcelona's protracted contract dispute with Ousmane Dembele, implying that the issue is reaching its conclusion.
After months of talks, it appears that the two parties are nearing an agreement on a new contract that would see Dembele sign a two-year term at Camp Nou.
According to Marca, the two sides are in the last stages of discussions and just need a "last push" to complete the agreement.
Dembele is presently a free agent after his contract at Camp Nou expired at the end of June. For most of the season, there was a significant gap between what Barcelona was ready to provide and what Dembele's agency demanded.
However, those issues have been resolved, and it looks that just a few minor elements have to be worked out before the deal can be finalized. It is now up to the two parties to decide whether or not to finalize the agreement.
After months of discussions and multiple board meetings, all indications point to Dembele signing the contract and staying at Camp Nou.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who was instrumental in pushing Barça to pursue the Frenchman's contract extension, is eager to finalize the deal as soon as possible since he wants the attacker to participate in pre-season.
Barcelona began training on July 4, with many first-team stars returning to Ciudad Esportiva, including Ansu Fati, who has returned to full fitness after yet another lengthy injury layoff. The dynamic forward will be eager to get off to a good start next season with fellow winger Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele is rumored to be taking a 40% salary reduction in order to rejoin Barcelona, putting him in line to earn something like the €6-7mn ($6.2-7.3mn) per year that adolescent star Ansu Fati presently earns.
Ousmane Dembélé, Barcelona, and the player's camp are very close to reaching an agreement, but the new contract is contingent on Barça's approval. Barcelona will make the final decision, rather than Dembélé.
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