Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified French star Ousmane Dembélé as the player to take over from Lionel Messi should the Argentine leave the club this summer.
Messi’s future is subject to much speculation this summer, given that he has less than three months on his current deal at PSG. The 35-year-old will be out of contract at the end of June and has reportedly put every contract discussion on hold till the end of the season.
As per reports, he wants to finish this season strong with PSG before deciding where to play next. However, several clubs are queuing up for him, including Barcelona, who openly admitted that they have opened talks with him.
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Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and at least two Saudi Pro League sides have also indicated interest, while PSG has a lucrative offer already on the table.
However, the Parisians are prepared for the worst-Messi leaving. Should the World Cup winner leave, the French giants will target another Barcelona star; Dembele. According to El Nacional, PSG will go all-out for the French winger this summer if they cannot convince Lionel Messi to stay.
Even though his injury record isn’t excellent, Dembele is seen as one of the most talented attacking players available. The Barca winger only signed a new deal at Camp Nou last summer but could be sold this summer, especially as Barcelona are struggling financially. As a result, the Catalan side could be forced to sell some players to fund the move for new players.
