
Ahead of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, one of Barcelona's star players has jokingly stated he would kidnap Ousmane Dembele to make him stay at the Camp Nou.
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In recent months, the Frenchman has been the subject of much transfer speculation as his contract with the Blaugrana is set to expire at the end of the season.
Earlier this week, Barca's sporting director reportedly helped pave the way for new contract negotiations between the club and Dembele's representatives in order to keep the 24-year-old at the Camp Nou.
Since Xavi took the reins at the Catalan giants, there has been an up-turn in the winger's form. However, he hasn't been the only one to flourish under the Spaniard's tutelage, with January signing Ferran Torres also seemingly adjusting well to life back in Spain.
The Spain international has scored six goals and provided five assists in 15 matches since his €55 million (R880 million) switch from Manchester City, and when he was asked about his French teammate's future in Catalonia ahead of their European tie in Germany, the forward was adamant he wants him to stay.
"I would kidnap him in Barcelona. It's a good club. It's one of the best in the world," Torres said at a pre-game press conference, according to Marca.
"But there are things that are none of our business. It's his decision. In whatever he decides, I wish him the best."
The 22-year-old also spoke on Barca's ambitions in the Europa League as the competition nears its conclusion.
"Barcelona is a club that must fight for all competitions. Tomorrow we will fight for the Europa League and we will do everything we can to achieve it," he added.
"There is no overconfidence. The coach makes it clear that we have to take it one game at a time. If you lose tomorrow, nobody remembers the dynamic. We have to approach the match with humility and desire".
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