Barcelona President Joan Laporta has confirmed that he plans for both Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati to remain at the Camp Nou despite links with moves away from Catalonia, reassuring the media that both still have a massive role to play for the Blaugrana.
There were reports that both Arsenal and Manchester United had taken an interest in Fati, who has seen a promising start to his Barcelona career hampered by injuries, and the 20-year-old has made just seven starts so far this season.
Despite Raphinha and Ferran Torres both also fighting it out with the youngster for a spot in Xavi’s side, however, Laporta has revealed that there are no plans to let the 20-year-old, who came through the La Masia academy and is under contract until 2027, leave in the summer.
“Right now, we don’t consider selling Ansu Fati”, he explained. “The club have high hopes for him, but I can’t predict what’s going to happen in the future. His agent let us know there are clubs interested in Ansu Fati, but right now he wants to stay”, he added.
The same is true of fellow winger Ousmane Dembele, who signed a new deal last summer but is out of contract in 2024 as it stands, leaving his future uncertain once more.
“Dembele is happy and so are we, he knows he’s an important player at the club”, Laporta claimed. “His contract is until 2024 and we want him to continue – now he is injured but as I was told, he is happy and will return as soon as possible, his behavior is positive”.
