Barcelona boss Xavi has provided an update on Ousmane Dembele's future amid interest from Chelsea.
Dembele's agent, Moussa Sissoko, sparked a war of words with Barca in January by claiming that his client hadn't been properly managed since moving from Borussia Dortmund and stating that they were trying to pressure him into signing a new deal.
Talking to RMC Sport, he said: "It's a stroke of pressure that doesn't work with people like us.
"Maybe it can work with agents who are close with Barcelona. It's not my case, I am here to defend the interests of my player.
"The truth must be told. Yes, we have demanding demands, but we have already shown that Ousmane's career choices are not dictated by money, otherwise he wouldn't be here.
"Then if Barcelona wanted to negotiate, he could have tried to come to the table with us to discuss. Except that there is no discussion and threats no longer work on their side. It's forbidden. We will assert Ousmane Dembele's rights if necessary."
Links with Chelsea only strengthened as a result of his agent's words, but a January move never materialised. The Blues will be able to sign him on a free transfer in the summer if they are able to negotiate such a deal, as Xavi admitted.
"We’ll see. His contract expires in June. It’s something between him and the club. I think he’s happy, he’s been a great professional," he said, as cited by Barca Blaugranes.
"I’m very happy with him. Even when he wasn’t called up. We have no problems with Ousmane. I’ve heard everything: that he’s not been professional, doesn’t look after himself but I can tell you the complete opposite.
"Then if Barcelona wanted to negotiate, he could have tried to come to the table with us to discuss. Except that there is no discussion and threats no longer work on their side. It's forbidden. We will assert Ousmane Dembele's rights if necessary."
Nevertheless, Xavi has insisted that Dembele has acted professionally and he will not hesitate to select him when necessary.
"He’s been taking care of himself, is a great professional, he trains well, he’s positive with the group and we decided, and it’s not just my opinion, we can play him," he added.
"If he hadn’t been so professional we might have decided something else. He’s been an example to the team and that’s what carries weight. We’ll see at the end of the season. For me he’s an important player. He’s a player I like."
