Sport on Tuesday explain Sergi Roberto’s future at Barcelona ‘remains uncertain’, and if he’s not at the Catalan club, he could be at Manchester City next season.
The 29-year-old, who can operate as a right-back and a midfielder, has 12 months left on his contract.
His desire is to continue at the Camp Nou, but to do that, the Spain international will have to find an agreement over a new deal. If not, then the versatile star will have to find a new destination in the summer, and this is where the Citizens come into the picture.
The Champions League runners-up tried to sign Roberto last summer, but he wasn’t in favour of leaving the La Liga side in 2020.
The situation is different this time around, and all three parties ‘welcome the operation’. Barcelona’s plan is to lower their salary budget and one way to do is by getting rid of Roberto, who earns €10m per season.
Pep Guardiola values his compatriot’s profile and professionalism, and Roberto is ‘seduced’ by the idea of playing in the former Bayern Munich manager’s team, even though his priority is to continue at Barca.
The Manchester club have started contacts with Barca for Roberto, and City are in ‘pole position to obtain his services’.
The Blaugrana, meanwhile, have an interest in Aymeric Laporte. The centre-back’s valuation is higher, and therefore, a swap deal would be ruled out.
With Roberto having a year left on his contract, Sport points out a ‘low cost’ operation involving Laporte and the Barca player could be an option.
