Barcelona have renewed their efforts to re-sign Ousmane Dembele after manager Xavi pleaded for a fresh round of talks, 90min understands.
The Frenchman's contract expires at the end of the month and there are no shortage of sides interested in his signature, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain both submitting offers to sign him on a free transfer.
Barcelona offered Dembele a new deal back in December and had warned the winger that they could not improve their proposal, prompting him to look at all his options.
However, in the background, Xavi has been pleading with those in charge at Camp Nou to make more of an effort to keep Dembele, with whom he grew increasingly close towards the end of last season, and sources have confirmed to 90min that Barcelona are back at the negotiation table.
Xavi has warned the Blaugrana's board that re-signing Dembele would be far cheaper than buying a replacement, and fresh talks have been held over a possible extension as a result.
Sources state that Dembele has given Barcelona until 1 July, when he is officially a free agent, to put together a package that can rival those from Chelsea and PSG, giving Barcelona some confidence that they can get a deal done.
Listen now to 90min's Talking Transfers podcast, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey, Harry Symeou & Toby Cudworth. On the latest show they discuss Raheem Sterling & Gabriel Jesus' futures, Chelsea's interest in Jules Kounde & Robert Lewandowski plus Man Utd's Frenkie de Jong pursuit. Available on all audio platforms and the 90min YouTube channel.
If you can't see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!
Chelsea have already been looking at other forward targets and are very much in the conversations for Raphinha, Richarlison and Raheem Sterling this summer.
90min understands that the Blues have also enquired about Ajax winger Antony, who has emerged as Manchester United's top forward target as they eye a reunion with manager Erik ten Hag.
Source : 90min