Ousmane Dembele has provided an update on his future at Barcelona amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer as clubs queued up for the chance to sign one of Europe's most exciting wingers free of charge.
football.london understood that the Blues were interested in the France international and considered making a move for him. Despite Thomas Tuchel known to be a big admirer of Dembele, with the pair having worked together at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea's efforts proved unsuccessful.
The Gunners were unsuccessful too, though it must be said that Mikel Arteta's side were not as strongly linked. Nonetheless, Dembele, who penned a two-year extension at the Camp Nou this summer, has insisted that he wishes for a long future with the Catalan side alongside head coach Xavi.
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Speaking to Spanish outlet 'Sport', as quoted by Marca, the winger said: "My relationship with Xavi is special, I want to stay by his side for a long time. Undoubtedly, Xavi has been key to continue. Also the president, I talk a lot with both of them. I'm fine. Everyone is happy now."
In January, Tuchel responded to rumours linking Dembele with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues boss showered his former colleague with great praise but refused to comment on the Frenchman's situation.
"He’s a very good player in his top level and I’m very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund," Tuchel said, speaking to the press. "It was only one year, it should’ve been longer but I needed to leave and he decided to leave.
"From there we haven’t been in the closest contact, we’ve met here and there because of his duties for the French national team and I was in Paris so this was more or less for when they were preparing for international duties. It’s very near Paris so this is where we met and exchanged some messages.
"He’s in a situation, I have absolutely no idea why he’s in that situation. I have no idea what the situation in detail is. I know how I feel when it’s about my players so it’s better not to talk."
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