Transfer Talk: Barca to offer PSG Ousmane Dembele in deal to bring Neymar back

Football
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The FC crew feel recent statements by Barcelona players about Ousmane Dembele are an effort to help him regain focus and form at the club.

With the winter window opening soon, the rumour mill is beginning to gather pace. Who will be moving where come January? Transfer Talk has the latest.

Barca to offer Dembele to PSG in Naymar bid

Barcelona will offer Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain as part of their attempt to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou, according to the Mirror.

France forward Dembele, who joined Barca 18 months ago, seems increasingly likely to be on his way out amid questions over his attitude.

The Mirror writes that Barca feel the former Borussia Dortmund player “could be utilised as a makeweight in a deal to bring Neymar back.”

That could be bad news for both Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom have been reported to be interested in Dembele.

But recent reports suggested that Liverpool were unconvinced about a likely price tag of around £100 million, and the Mirror writes that “Paris now looks his likely destination.”

FC Barcelona's French forward Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele’s future at Barcelona appears uncertain, and has now been linked with a move to PSG.

It adds that an early Champions League exit for PSG “would speed up the workings of any possible transfer,” with a key group game against Liverpool coming up on Wednesday.

United face battle to sign Arnautovic

Manchester United are ready to step up interest in West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic after Saturday’s goalless home draw with Crystal Palace highlighted their attacking struggles, the Mail reports.

Jose Mourinho wants to add forward impetus in the winter, with reports suggesting Austria international Arnautovic is a major target.

The Mail reports that that with “Romelu Lukaku failing to score at Old Trafford for 238 days and Marcus Rashford and Alexis Sanchez struggling to impress,” Mourinho will turn to Arnautovic.

But a move will not be easy, with West Ham “wary of the growing interest in their prized asset” and manager Manuel Pellegrini eager to keep him.

United could yet move for two West Ham players, with defender Issa Diop also having caught Mourinho’s eye.

The manager praised the 21-year-old after the Hammers beat his side earlier in the season, and the Mail suggests he could “provide a long-term solution” to United’s defensive problems.

Wolves won’t sell midfield star Neves

Any club trying to sign Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton Wanderers will have their interest rebuffed, according to the Telegraph.

It says Wolves have decided Portugal international Neves, who signed a new contract in the summer, “is not for sale at any price” and will stay at Molineux.

The decision comes amid reported interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Juventus, and the Telegraph adds that the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, “believes his career would be best served by staying.”

Tap-ins

– Tottenham could make a January move for Genk midfielder Sander Berge, but that may depend on whether Victor Wanyama or Mousa Dembele leave, according to the Mirror.

Norway international Berge is valued at around £20m but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino may need to sell before buying, with clubs in Italy and China keen on Dembele.

– Arsenal want to bring in more young English players, and the Mirror says Brentford defender Ezri Konsa, a centre-back who can also play at full-back, is on their list.

England under-21 international Konsa, a former Charlton player, moved to Griffin Park in the summer and has attracted favourable reports from Arsenal scouts.

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