Agent of PSG’s Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé holds talks with Manchester City hierarchy

Paris Saint-Germain’s reigning Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane Dembélé has taken a step closer to a potential blockbuster switch to the Premier League after his representative, Moussa Sissoko, met with Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana, sources have confirmed to Diario Sport.

The 28-year-old French international, whose decisive performances powered PSG to last season’s UEFA Champions League crown, is under contract with the Ligue 1 champions until 2028. Yet with negotiations over an extension stalling, Sissoko has begun to survey alternative destinations, and City have emerged as the most prominent suitor.

No formal offer has been tabled by the Etihad outfit, and insiders stress that PSG remain determined to retain the winger, viewing his renewal as a top priority. Nevertheless, City hierarchy left the encounter encouraged, fully aware that prising Dembélé away from the Parc des Princes would require a premium fee and delicate diplomacy.

Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to scour the market for wide reinforcements, placing Chelsea’s Pedro Neto under close observation. Mundo Deportivo reports that the 26-year-old’s deal contains a clause that would streamline a move to Catalonia should Barça elect to firm up their interest. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha established as starters and Marcus Rashford’s loan still to be resolved, Neto figures on a summer shortlist that also includes plans to acquire a striker and centre-back.

Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid have slammed the door on Barcelona’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez, informing the Blaugrana that any approach would be rebuffed unless the player publicly pushes for the transfer—an outcome the club deems improbable. Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea retain hope of luring the Argentine away for a fee well north of €100 million.

The race for RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old midfield prodigy Assan Ouédraogo is intensifying, with Manchester United and Chelsea leading a pack of admirers that also features Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Barcelona. Leipzig value the Germany youth international at €80–100 million and are under no pressure to sell, with Ouédraogo’s contract running until 2029.

Manchester United’s midfield overhaul could yet broaden to include Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, though Champions League qualification may prove pivotal to landing top targets. City, for their part, still regard Forest’s Anderson as a priority midfield recruit for the summer window.

In a boost for Chelsea, academy graduate and club captain Reece James has committed his future to Stamford Bridge through 2032, ending speculation over a move.

Transfer chatter shows no sign of abating across Europe: Juventus have sounded out Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez, Real Madrid continue to monitor Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, and Barcelona have set their sights on Tottenham teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic after a promising loan spell at Hamburg.

AC Milan are weighing up moves for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean and centre-backs Kim Min-jae of Bayern and Lazio’s Mario Gila, while Inter Milan eye a swoop for Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby and could entertain lucrative offers for Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella.

Premier League interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s South Korean creator Lee Kang-in is also mounting, with Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle all keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder.