La Liga giants Sevilla are reportedly considering Barcelona contract rebel Ousmane Dembele as an alternative to Anthony Martial.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ousmane Dembele is the subject of interest from Sevilla over a possible late move in the ongoing transfer window. The La Liga giants view the Barcelona forward as an alternative to Anthony Martial, who is unlikely to arrive at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium this month.
Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in August 2017 when he widely regarded as one of the most promising young wingers in the game. But he has endured a horrific time in the last four and a half years, struggling to perform consistently as a spate of injuries has hampered his progress considerably.
The 24-year-old has turned out 129 times for Barcelona to date, registering 31 goals and 23 assists in the process. But Dembele’s spell with Barcelona is set to end this year, as the two parties have reached a point of no return in talks over a contract renewal. Some of the biggest clubs in Europe have taken note of this situation, with Sevilla the latest to emerge as a suitor.
The Andalusian giants have already made one wide-attacking reinforcement in the January transfer window by signing Jesus Corona from FC Porto. But Sevilla’s outlays for the month are not done, with Julen Lopetegui keen on signing one more winger before the deadline.
Anthony Martial has reportedly been Sevilla’s priority target to that end, but negotiations with Manchester United have not progressed smoothly. As a result, Los Nervionenses have had to turn their attention elsewhere, with Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele now emerging on their radar.
In Dembele, Sevilla will get a winger who is well-versed with the challenges in La Liga and is unlikely to take time to settle in the environs of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. The French international’s injury record notwithstanding, his arrival from Barcelona could be game-changing for the club.
But with several other high profile clubs in Europe, including Chelsea and Manchester United, hot on the Barcelona contract rebel’s trail, Sevilla will need to move quickly and efficiently to secure his services before the transfer deadline. At the same time, the La Liga giants will also be scrambling to keep hold of Diego Carlos amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
