Xavi Hernandez has publicly urged Ousmane Dembele to make a final decision on whether he is willing to renew his contract at Barcelona, which is set to expire next summer.
The Barcelona coach declared that Dembele has two options - he can either agree to a contract extension or he can leave the club before the close of the January transfer window.
"I don't want to disrespect anyone," Xavi said during Barcelona's pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
"The message is clear: he either renews or he looks to leave [the club].
"It is not an easy or pleasant situation, but the interests of the club are paramount.
"We are in a complex, difficult situation. If he does not renew, the club must find a solution. We can't be in this situation. We have waited a long time. [Sporting director] Mateu [Alemany] has been in talks [with Dembele's agent] for five months and we can't wait any longer.
"He tells me he wants to stay. Ask him [why he hasn't renewed yet]."
Araujo's future
Ronald Araujo is into the last 18 months of his contract, and Xavi has expressed his desire for the Uruguay international and Barcelona to reach an agreement over a renewal.
"[Araujo's] renewal is a priority," added Xavi.
"For me, he is a very important piece. He is an extraordinary defender and has a winning character. They have to reach an agreement quickly, because he is a player for the present and for the future.
"It is appreciated to have players like him. Ronald is a guy who contributes a lot."
Praise for Marcelino
Xavi went on to praise Marcelino's work at Athletic Club ahead of the Copa del Rey last-16 tie between the two sides at San Mames on Thursday night.
"[Athletic] have one of the best coaches in recent years," noted Xavi.
"They are a very intense, very aggressive opponent. They demand a lot, especially at home. They play very well on the counter-attack. They work very well.
"It's a one-off game and this makes it very attractive. Going far in this competition makes us feel excited.
"I have the best memories from [San Mames]. They have treated me very well. I have a fantastic relationship with the club and with many players from that club.
"I have admiration for that club, I think they do things very well and they have a clear [understanding] about what they do. There is always a phenomenal atmosphere there."
måniacmessiah
217
dembele's agent should try contacting Chinese super league....they won't have a problem paying 200 million for 5 yrs and dembele can visit all the Chinese hospitals and try out new viruses every month.
RogerCule
111
JOHAN CRUYFF: 🗣 "If you have second thoughts on playing for Barcelona, you are no longer of service to us." We don't need him, kick him outtt, not even 40 goals in 130 matches since arrival and asking for 40M to be in hospital.
Naobcmtuyz
32
cos his black ...you can't do that to Spanish player
chizzlekay
24
cos his black ...you can't do that to Spanish player
Shut up and tap some sense! The likes of Pique reduced their wages Dembele doesn’t want to reduce but wants pay rise! He hasn’t played a full season for Barca since he came, mostly injured and wants pay rise in this critical financial time? If you are the president would you over pay someone who hardly works? Talk with sense please not everything rac*sm here
GGMUSTAR
14
cos his black ...you can't do that to Spanish player
Will you shut up and stop bringing this nonsense into everything