La Liga rivals eye summer swoop for Barcelona veteran who Xavi wants to retain

With the summer transfer window not very far, a number of Barcelona players are staring at an uncertain future at the club.

The likes of Oriol Romeu, Marcos Alonso, Inigo Martinez, and Sergi Roberto are some of the players whose continuity at the club is still not clear.

Girona interested in Sergi Roberto

Amidst this, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona’s local rivals Girona are interested in signing their captain Sergi Roberto in the summer.

Roberto, 32, is in the final few months of his contract at Barça and Girona are willing to take him on a free transfer before the start of the next season.

Michel’s side have been a revelation this season and look set to finish in the top four and secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League for 2024/25.

As such, moving to Girona would offer Roberto an opportunity to stay close to Barcelona while also continue playing Champions League football.

Sergi Roberto on Girona’s radar. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Xavi wants Roberto to stay

However, Roberto will also have a contract offer from Barcelona imminently, with manager Xavi Hernandez eager for him to continue.

The Catalans have already taken the first steps towards renewing their captain’s contract and more discussions are expected soon, especially with Xavi’s future now confirmed.

There will be a meeting between Roberto’s agent Josep Maria Orobitg and Barça sporting director Deco to discuss the matter further.

However, Barcelona will only offer Roberto a one-year deal with a reasonable salary, whereas Girona would be prepared to offer him a longer contract.

The decision will now be up to the La Masia graduate, although he has already made it clear in the past that he wishes to stay at Barcelona.