Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Atletico Madrid interested in Sergi Roberto; AC Milan midfielder accepts Blaugrana offer, and more - 12 March 2022
Barcelona are preparing to welcome Osasuna to the Camp Nou on Sunday in La Liga. The Blaugrana are currently fourth in the league, three points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid having played two games less.
Meanwhile, La Liga holders Atletico Madrid are interested in Blaugrana full-back Sergi Roberto. Elsewhere, an AC Milan midfielder has reportedly accepted an offer from the Blaugrana to join them this summer.
Ready for tomorrow!
😎 Ready for tomorrow! https://t.co/noLse2gOpL
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on 12th March 2022:
Atletico Madrid interested in Sergi Roberto
Atletico Madrid are interested in Sergi Roberto, according to The Hard Tackle via Goal Spain. The Spaniard is no longer first choice at Barcelona. So Los Rojiblancos are contemplating a move to bring him to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
Roberto rose through the ranks at the Camp Nou and earned his debut more than a decade ago. While he has been a decent performer for the club, his versatility has immensely helped the La Liga giants. The 30-year-old began as a midfielder before successfully making the transition to right-back.
However, Roberto has been off-colour in the past few seasons, where he has been plagued by poor form and fitness woes. The player has made over 300 appearances for the club and won multiple titles.
The Spaniard's current contract with the Blaugrana expires at the end of the season. No renewal talks are lined up, and it appears that the 30-year-old could be allowed to leave for free. Atletico Madrid are keeping an eye on the situation and could dive for the player this summer.
Manager Diego Simeone is looking to sign a proper replacement for Kieran Trippier, who left in January to join Newcastle United. The Argentinean is impressed by Roberto's versatility and would love to add the experienced campaigner to his roster. However, Atletico are not prioritising a move for the 30-year-old at the moment.
Franck Kessie accepts Barcelona's offer
Franck Kessie has reportedly accepted an offer to join Barcelona this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
The Cote d'Ivoire midfielder remains an integral part of the AC Milan midfield. However, his current contract with the Rossoneri runs out this summer. The Serie A giants want to tie him down to a new deal but have struggled to meet his wage demands.
#Kessie-#Barcelona, the 
player has accepted the offer of €6M+bonus per season. 
#Calciomercato #Transfers🚨✅ #Kessie-#Barcelona, the 🇨🇮 player has accepted the offer of €6M+bonus per season. 🔵🔴
🗣️ Now #Barca are discussing with the agent of the midfielder (#Atangana) the fee amount: the request is very high. 🐓⚽ #Calciomercato #Transfers
The Blaugrana are looking for a replacement for Sergio Busquets and have identified Kessie as the ideal candidate. The 25-year-old has the qualities to fill Busquets' shoes and has already accepted an annual offer worth €6 million (excluding bonuses) from the La Liga side.
Dani Olmo opens up on his future
Dani Olmo has revealed that he is not in a hurry to decide his future. Barcelona remain interested in their former player, who has earned rave reviews in the colours of RB Leipzig.
Speaking to Sport BILD, the 23-year-old expressed a desire to play in the UEFA Champions League. He said:
“I am not in a hurry! I am very happy here, and I still have a contract until 2024. I see no reason to leave this summer and find a new club. After all, I’ve just experienced how quickly things can happen. I’ve had six tough months, and I’m happy to be playing again now."
Olmo continued:
"I’m just focusing on the games and not on anything else. I want to play Champions League the most, that’s clear, and the same goes for everyone here. We have that goal, and I’m sure we’ll achieve it this year."
In 78 appearances across competitions, Olmo has bagged 15 goals and registered 18 assists.