Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning a surprise swoop for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele who is open to leaving the club in January.
Manchester City are looking closely at Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele who is reportedly close to leaving Barcelona having endured limited playing time under manager Ernesto Valverde. The 22 year old has made just two La Liga starts so far this season with injury and other factors relegating him to the sidelines. The arrival of Antoine Griezmann from Athletico Madrid over the summer and the emergence of teenage prodigy Ansu Fati has left the Frenchman starved of opportunities.
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Dembele joined the Catalan giants for an initial fee of £112 m in 2017 as a replacement for the departing Neymar. Barcelona tried offloading the winger this summer but the deal failed to pull through with Paris Saint Germain listed as one of his destinations. The Catalan club are willing to listen to offers for the Frenchman who has made just six appearances across all competitions this season, scoring just one goal. Manchester City are the latest club to show interest in the Frenchman, according to El Desmarque.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly a huge fan of the former Borussia Dortmund star who could be an ideal replacement for Leroy Sané should he leave for Bayern Munich next summer. The former Barcelona manager believes he can help the youngster reach his full potential like he did for Rahem Sterling when he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016. Barcelona on the other hand are ready to listen to offers for the player whom they value around £86 m.
The addition of Ousmane Dembele would allow the Premier League Champions to allow Leroy Sane to leave once he returns to full fitness. Sane was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out of action till February. City have maintained time and again that they do not want the German to leave but their stance could change depending on the availability of Dembele.
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