Xavi desperate for Ousmane Dembele to remain at Barcelona

Barcelona boss Xavi has once again revealed his desire for Ousmane Dembele to sign a new deal at Camp Nou.

The France international has been in impressive form for the Catalan giants in recent weeks, scoring once and providing eight assists in his last six La Liga appearances.

Dembele's contract is due to expire at the end of June, though, and there remains widespread speculation surrounding his future with the La Liga outfit.

Xavi has said that he would sign the attacker's new deal "immediately", but 'the numbers have to work' for the club amid their ongoing financial problems.

"I'd sign his new contract immediately, no doubt! But we need the numbers to work, it's a negotiation - same with [Ronald] Araujo that looks almost done, Gavi, Sergi Roberto. I hope he stays. He could be one of the best players of the world in his position," Xavi told reporters.

Dembele, who was widely expected to leave Barcelona in January, has scored twice and provided 10 assists in 22 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign.

The 24-year-old's agent allegedly recently met with the Catalan club in the hope of rebuilding the relationship between the two parties following their issues earlier this year.