Reported Chelsea target Youssoufa Moukoko has reacted to speculations that he is stalling negotiations over a new deal with Borussia Dortmund.
The 18-year-old, who currently leads the goalscoring chart at Dortmund, is now close to entering the final six months of his contract at the club.
Dortmund are, of course, keen on extending the striker’s contract but so far, the two parties have yet to reach an agreement.
Perhaps inevitably, several top clubs, Including Chelsea, are reportedly monitoring Moukoko’s contract situation.
This leads to speculations that Moukoko is holding Dortmund to ransom, which the player immediately refuted on social media.
“I know that this is all part of the football business by now, but even though I’m still young, I won’t let myself be pressured in my decision about my future,” the Germany international wrote in an Instagram story.
“I will never accept such a lie about me.
“It’s really sad that you can bring something like this into the world nowadays so that you (fans) have a false image of me.
“Very, very sad, because I’m still shocked by the report.”
Moukoko was likely referring to a report from German outlet BILD which claims that he refused to agree to Dortmund’s latest offer worth €6milliion-a-year (£5.3m)
The report added that the young striker is looking for a contract worth in the region of €7m-a-year (£6.2m).
Based on his reaction, it is clear that Moukoko feels that he has been put under pressure to sign an extension by these speculations.
On the other hand, from the player’s point of view, it makes sense to wait until January from which he will be able to speak to other clubs before making a decision.