Chelsea could yet pounce for Barca star as €40m clause remains in place

Barcelona will look to tie down midfielder Sergi Roberto to a new deal, but they have not yet entered negotiations with the player’s agent, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan publication says the 25 year old was seriously considering quitting the club for Chelsea in the summer but his increased game time under manager Ernesto Valverde means the player looks likely to stay at the Camp Nou.

Despite the midfielder having a €40m release clause, there doesn’t seem to be much urgency to extend the player’s contract. The Barca hierarchy have prioritised Lionel Messi’s contract, along with Andres Iniesta and Gerard Deulofeu, before they will look at renewing Roberto’s.

The midfielder’s current deal expires in 2019 so Barca feel they have time on their side in negotiations, but it will be interesting to see what happens in the next two transfer windows. Roberto has been played at right back, right wing and centre midfield this season, and the player could become frustrated at being used as a utility player to fill gaps in the team, rather than being an established starter.