Barcelona are reportedly prepared to offer Ousmane Dembele in the deal to sign 21-year-old Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Barcelona have stepped up their efforts to sign Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus in the summer transfer window. The Catalan outfit are ready to offer Ousmane Dembele in order to secure the services of the 21-year-old Swedish forward.
Dejan Kulusevski first arrived in Italy in 2016, joining the Atalanta youth setup. However, he could never receive his big break with La Dea, and it is only while he was on two different loan spells at Parma that he finally made a name for himself. The Swede then made it to the big stage upon returning to Juventus, whom he joined in the summer of 2019, at the end of the 2019/20 season.
The 21-year-old, though, was a tad-bit inconsistent, even though he showed flashes of brilliance for the Serie A heavyweight. So far, Kulusevski has turned out 47 times for Juventus while amassing a tally of seven goals and as many assists. Despite blowing hot and cold, there is no shortage of interest in the youngster, who is now on the radar of Barcelona.
Barcelona have already added to their attacking unit this summer by signing Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero. However, the shock departure of Lionel Messi has given way to a situation wherein the Blaugrana need to add more quantity to their squad to somehow fill the void of their former captain to a little extent.
As a result, Barcelona have been linked with a number of attacking players in recent times, be it a versatile striker like Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng or someone who can play wide like Joaquin Correa. Dejan Kulusevski is the kind of player who would fit in the second category.
However, the Catalan giants are looking to offload Ousmane Dembele, who is currently at odds with the club over the terms of a renewal, in order to land Kulusevski. The report, though, adds that Juventus have no intention to part ways with the 21-year-old, amid widespread interest in his services, which comes as a blow to Barcelona.
So, Barcelona must now turn their attention elsewhere in search of an attacking reinforcement as we enter the final phase of the summer transfer window. What does appear to be certain for now, is that Kulusevski is not going anywhere, with Juventus valuing him quite highly.
