LIONEL MESSI has reportedly demanded that Barcelona sell Ousmane Dembele following their disastrous Champions League exit last week.
The La Liga giants looked to be cruising through to Europe’s final four following a stunning 4-1 first leg win over Roma.
But the Italians fought back and a 3-0 triumph in the reverse fixture saw Barca crash out on away goals.
Dembele played just five minutes for Barca throughout the tie but reports in Spain have suggested that the humiliation has caused Messi to demand a squad makeover.
The French winger was brought in from Borussia Dortmund last summer as a replacement for Neymar but he has failed to make an impact and has struggled with injuries since his move.
The January arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool has lessened the need to fill the void left by Neymar.
According to Don Balon, Messi does not think that Dembele has the right attributes to succeed at Barcelona.
The Catalan side pride themselves on quick passing and movement and Messi feels the youngsters game is reliant on direct running and pace.
Dembele has been linked with a move to Arsenal, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang believed to be desperate for a reunion with his former Dortmund team-mate.
And the reports claim that Messi would be more than happy to see him leave just a year after joining.
The Argentine wants more support in attack and Barca will use the funds they receive for Dembele to launch a bid for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.