Borussia Dortmund chief executive, Hans-Joachim Watzke, has said the chances of Ousmane Dembele joining Barcelona are “under 50 percent”.
Barca are tagerting the France winger, as their number one target to replace Neymar, but have so far been frustrated in their pursuit.
Dortmund have turned down a £90m bid rejected for Dembele, who is currently suspended for missing training. It is believed the Bundesliga side are demanding closer to £120m.
Watzke has warned Dortmund simply won’t negotiate their asking price and urged Dembele to issue an apology.
“I see the transfer probability of Ousmane Dembele under 50 per cent,” he told Sky Sport Germany.
“They must pay the fee we want for this player, who has four years left on his contract, after they received €222m for Neymar.
“If they match our requirements soon then there will be a transfer. Otherwise, there won’t be. Dembele would have to apologise to the team and the club.”
Watzke went on to criticise Barcelona for their conduct, claiming they have unsettled the teenager.
“It is not that Ous is making fun of us, he simply declines to do his job. That is a new quality…and we should also talk about the role of glorious FC Barcelona in this matter,” Watzke added.
“On Wednesday [August 9] we met with Barcelona’s officials. Our positions were very far away from each other. Then, on Thursday, he did not show up at the training.
“The timing of these events is very curious. You don’t believe a 20-year-old will refuse to go to training without his possible new club liking that?”
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