The Catalans will reportedly attempt to sign Anthony Martial from Manchester United as a replacement for Sergio Aguero, whose career is at risk due to an arrhythmia. However, the club could end up losing Ousmane Dembele for nothing, as the winger is currently not keen on signing a renewal.
All signs point towards the Blaugrana being active in the upcoming transfer windows as they continue their “cultural rebirth” under new head coach Xavi Hernandez. The club has been linked with Spanish striker Ferran Torres (Man City) recently, but reports from elsewhere suggest that Manchester United forward Martial is of interest to them too.
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SPORT report that Barcelona are looking to sign Martial as a replacement for Aguero, whose future remains in doubt after suffering from a cardiovascular complication. The Argentinian arrived in the summer but has played only in a handful of games sandwiched between lengthy spells on the sidelines. Worryingly, his latest diagnosis – while still premature – could force him to retire early, leaving Barcelona a man light in attack.
As such, the 25-year-old Martial is his chosen replacement. The Manchester United star has lost his place in the starting eleven in recent months and is about to enter the backend of his five-year contract, which he signed in 2019, albeit with the option to extend it for a further year. Since he arrived in 2015, the Frenchman has scored 79 goals in 267 matches for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, one player who, reportedly, doesn’t want to be a part of the Xavi revolution at Barcelona is winger Dembele. SPORT report that the Frenchman is reluctant to sign a new contract with the club. He will look to leave the Blaugrana upon contract expiry instead and will look to kick-start his flailing career with a different team.
Dembele’s current contract at Barcelona ends on June 30, 2022, after which he will be allowed to sign for the club of his choice. The newly-rich Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in the Frenchman.
Should the 24-year-old leave for free, Barcelona will end up taking a significant loss on him, given that they signed him for a whopping 105 million euros plus add-ons fee back in 2017.
