With the 2021/22 season almost over, Barcelona are chalking out plans for the summer transfer window as they look to build a formidable squad for the upcoming campaign.
While new players are expected to arrive, question marks remain over the futures of some of the stars already at the club. One such key man who could be on his way out at the end of the season is Ousmane Dembele.
Despite contract talks going on, the 24-year-old is yet to reach an agreement with the Blaugrana, with one of his representatives’ demands proving to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
So, with his deal running out at the end of the season and an extension yet to be signed, there is a chance that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner could end up leaving on a Bosman deal.
Barcelona have identified Leeds United winger Raphinha as a top target for the right flank and plan to sign him irrespective of whether Dembele stays or leaves.
However, in the event of his departure, they would need another player in the position. And journalist Santi Ovalle reports that Barcelona would consider signing Adama Traore in a permanent deal in such a case, although in a deal worth around €10-15 million.
The 26-year-old Spanish international returned to Camp Nou in January on a loan deal from Wolves. The Blaugrana have an option of signing the winger permanently for a fee of €30 million but are unwilling to shell out that sum for the La Masia product.
Traore’s contract with Wolves expires in 2023, meaning he would be entering the final year of his deal with the club in the summer. So, Barça would be open to the prospect of signing him on a permanent deal, provided the asking price is around €10-15 million.
Although, any move would hinge on how the contract negotiations with Dembele progress in the coming weeks.
