Barcelona’s longstanding romance with Ousmane Dembele is well documented.

The France international has ran down his contract with the club, and has flirted with other clubs, especially Chelsea, but is yet to make a final decision on his future.

The Frenchman is now a free agent and is officially without a club,  and his representatives have been in talks with Barça over a new deal since late last year.

Barcelona have made it clear that they want to keep Dembele, but the La Liga giants aren’t ready to break the bank to do so.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the club has given a final offer to Dembele, and won’t go beyond that.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s situation, club president Joan Laporta said in quotes reported by Mundo Deportivo: “Dembélé is no longer a Barça player but the issue is economic. If he accepts our conditions, Dembélé will stay at Barça.”

Spanish radio station Cadena SER, had last month claimed that Dembele’s preference is to remain at Barcelona and he said this to manager Xavi Hernandez in a meeting.

Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is very much keen on keeping Dembele, and the 25-year-old is reportedly pleased to play under Xavi, having performed well under the watch of the ex Barcelona midfielder.

However, Barcelona club’s hierarchy have reiterated to Dembele that they will not be raising their contract offer for him, which is actually less than the salary he is currently on.

It’s now up to Dembele to decide whether he’d accept the offer or seek a move to Chelsea or PSG.