Barcelona 'preparing to open contract talks with Ousmane Dembele'

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to begin negotiations with Ousmane Dembele over a new long-term deal.

The 25-year-old only signed a two-year extension with the Catalan outfit last summer, meaning that he has now entered the final 18 months of his agreement at Camp Nou.

The France international is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, but he has been in strong form for Barcelona this season, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona will "soon begin" talks with Dembele, who is believed to be keen to sign a long-term agreement with the La Liga leaders.

"Negotiations will soon begin for Ousmane Dembele, as his current deal expires in June 2024 and Barcelona do not want to risk losing him as was already about to happen in June 2021," Romano wrote in his column for 888sport.

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Dembele has been on the sidelines since the end of January through injury, and a recent report claimed that he is unlikely to be back until the middle of March.

Barcelona boss Xavi recently said that he is hopeful the Frenchman will stay at the club "for many years".

"For me he is important, he is different and fundamental. It's hard to find such decisive players in one-on-one situations. The club know that. Since we've been here he's been at an extraordinary level. I hope he stays here for many years," Xavi told reporters at the end of January.

Meanwhile, the club's president Joan Laporta recently added: "Dembele is happy and so are we. He is an important player for the club and for Xavi. We want him to continue at Barca."

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Romano has also said that Barcelona will be looking to "resolve the right-back issue" at the club this season following Hector Bellerin's departure.

"One of Barcelona's priorities is to resolve the right back issue in the summer because Sergino Dest will return from loan to Milan and a solution will have to be found; but above all a new right-back is needed after Hector Bellerin joined Sporting Lisbon," wrote the Italian.

Meanwhile, the club are assessing whether to move for Real Sociedad centre-back Inigo Martinez.

"Inigo Martinez remains on the options list as new center back, Barcelona must decide whether to proceed or not," added the journalist.

Barcelona will be bidding to make it 12 straight wins in all competitions when they welcome Manchester United to Camp Nou for the first leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff on Thursday night.