Despite talk from the player’s agent, and Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, that he is close to signing a new contract, Sport are reporting that midfielder Sergi Roberto is a long way from signing a new deal at the Camp Nou.
The Spanish international had “important proposals” from Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus in the summer, the Catalan publication reports, but the player’s desire is to stay with Barca.
Negotiations over Roberto’s new contract are said to be very slow, with no agreement believed to be likely in the coming weeks. The 25 year old’s agent Josep Maria Orobitg hasn’t even received a firm, first proposal yet with only initial contact being made about a renewal.
The midfielder’s contract expires in 2019, and Barcelona are said to be keen to tie the player down to an improved deal before he enters into the last 12 months of his contract. There seems to be a lot of patience on both sides of the negotiations at the moment but that could all change if Barca continue to drag their heels.