Barcelona star gives club July 10 deadline to decide his future amid interest from Serie A clubs - Reports
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has reportedly told the club that July 10 is the final date for them to offer him a contract extension. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the midfielder is keen on receiving a concrete answer on his future with the Catalan giants.
The 32-year-old is currently a free agent, with his contract expiring on June 30. He was close to an extension when Xavi Hernandez was manager but his position at the club under Hansi Flick remains in doubt.
July 10 coincides with the date set for the Barcelona squad to return to training. The report claims that there is an option for the deadline to be extended or other alternatives to be sought.
Despite being named as one of the club's captains, Roberto found himself slowly falling down the pecking order last season. He made just 24 appearances last season, with nine of them coming off the bench.
With La Blaugrana amidst financial struggles, it remains to be seen if they will offer a contract to one of their longest-tenured academy prospects. He is looking to receive clarity over his situation quickly, enabling him to enter into negotiations with other clubs should the Spanish giants not sign him.
The report further claims that there is interest in the player from Italy, with the likes of Roma, Juventus and Inter Milan all looking to secure his services. A report from Spanish outlet AS claimed earlier that multiple clubs in the Premier League and La Liga have also made concrete offers to the midfielder.
Chelsea star speaks on trying to convince Barcelona target to join Blues
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella admitted that he was trying to persuade star attacker Nico Williams to join the London side over Barcelona. The left-back was full of praise for the Athletic Club winger, saying (via Spanish outlet Sport):
"He is a great player, he is bringing out all his potential, it is a source of pride that he is on our team, that he is our teammate and with players like him everything is easier," Cucurella told SPORT.
"He would be a great signing for Barcelona, but it all depends on your opinion. I'm pushing him to sign for Chelsea. In the end it all depends on him. He's very young, with a lot of experience, and I think he'll be a great player."
Williams has been in fine form for Spain at Euro 2024, bagging one goal and one assist in three games. He was a key contributor for Athletic Club in La Liga this season, scoring five times and setting up 11 more.
Barcelona have identified the 21-year-old as their primary target for the summer. However, their financial struggles mean they could find it difficult to meet his €58 million release clause.