The agent of Ousmane Dembele has made a strong statement over the future of his client by suggesting that ‘pressure’ from Barcelona will not work in contract negotiations.
The Frenchman - who arrived at the Camp Nou for £135m from Borussia Dortmund - is out of contract at the end of the season and would be eligible to leave the club on a free transfer.
It has been reported that Xavi is keen to keep the winger in Catalonia but the chances of that happening look remote considering his precarious contractual position - as well as apparent interest from Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea.
Now, the player’s agent Moussa Sissoko has fired a warning to Barcelona that they will not be cornered into making a quick decision.
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.”
According to Salary Sport, the 24-year-old currently scoops just under £300k per week at the Camp Nou - a figure that the club cannot afford any longer considering their poor financial situation.
Sissoko has conceded that whilst their demands are considerable, Dembele is not motivated by money, whilst a decision over his future is still to be made.
He continued: “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."
He added: "We don't know what we're going to do. Nothing has been finalised.”
Dembele, a World Cup winner, has made just 11 appearances for Barcelona so far this season and scored just one goal.
