Barcelona Transfer News: Ousmane Dembele Responds to Exit Rumours

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele has responded to rumours he could leave the Camp Nou in the summer.

"I'm not going to leave after just one season. I signed a five-year contract with Barcelona. I'll be here for a long time," he told Telefoot (h/t Mikael McKenzie at the Daily Express).

Dembele has struggled for fitness and form since moving to Barcelona in summer 2017 from Borussia Dortmund, and rumours have linked him with a move to Arsenal, per McKenzie.

The 20-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in September 2017, which required surgery and kept him out of action until January.

He then suffered a further setback, and although he's returned to fitness, he has made just nine starts for Barcelona in all competitions this season.

Football writer Graham Ruthven said he thinks Dembele may struggle to succeed at Barca:

Dembele was left on the bench again for Saturday's 2-1 win over Valencia but arrived in the second half and gave away a penalty, from which the visitors scored.

Sports writer Andy West said it's easy to see why he hasn't won manager Ernesto Valverde's trust:

Yet the youngster has enjoyed some good moments in a Barcelona shirt, not least opening his account with a superb goal in the UEFA Champions League win over Chelsea.

Dembele is a pacy player, good on the ball and able to take on defenders. However, he has looked nervy and lacking in confidence since joining Barcelona for €105 million plus add-ons.

The pressure of his huge price tag and coming to the club in the wake of Neymar's departure are contributing factors, and his injury problems have also been a setback.

Football writer Roy Nemer said he was bought to please supporters:

Having invested so heavily in Dembele last summer, it seems unlikely Barca would be willing to let him leave after just one season. He is still to earn the trust of the pragmatic Valverde, but Barcelona will still be hoping he can adapt to the club and fulfil his obvious potential.