PSG star ‘could play for Arsenal or Tottenham’ as ex-Chelsea defender makes Lionel Messi claim

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes Ousmane Dembele has what it takes to play for Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur.

Six years ago, that statement would hardly be surprising, with the Frenchman joining Barcelona for a staggering £130million and ranked as one of Europe’s most promising talents. But half a decade of mixed form and injuries derailed Dembele’s hype.

The talent has always been there, with frightening pace and ambidextrous ability. Dembele famously takes set pieces with either foot, depending on where he is on the pitch, reminiscent of former Arsenal man Santi Cazorla.

Paris Saint-Germain offered the winger an escape route from Spain but Barca manager Xavi insisted he was reluctant to let him leave. A discounted £25million deal — possibly rising up to £40million — made a mockery of how much the Spanish giants paid in 2017 but their hands were tied, with Dembele having one year left on his contract.

«I am disappointed,” Xavi told Spanish media. “We couldn't compete with PSG's proposal. I tried to keep him but he told me that he had already spoken to Nasser Al-Khelafi (PSG president) and Luis Enrique (manager) and there was no going back.

“The proposal they are making to him is totally out of our hands. We can't compete with it right now. It's a pity. I guess it's something personal. Disappointed? Yes. The important thing is that he has been clear. Good luck to him.”

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Dembele has failed to hit the ground running since joining the Parisian giants. Now aged 26, the forward is yet to score in seven appearances and has completed