Chelsea are on full alert as Spanish La Liga side Barcelona struggle to agree a contract extension with Spaniard Sergi Roberto, who was linked with the Blues last summer, according to a report on Bleacher Report.
The club are keen for Roberto to extend his contract with the club but the player is reportedly hesitating due to his wage demands.
The full-back believes that he should be paid more by the club and is, therefore, stalling contract negotiations, which has given Chelsea hope of signing him.
The 25-year-old has a £35m release clause in his current deal and Barcelona are desperate to increase it to €400m in the new deal but if he doesn’t agree then Chelsea could easily trigger the clause.
Fellow Premier League side Manchester United are also interested in Roberto and could challenge Chelsea to secure his signature.
Roberto came through the highly-rated Barcelona academy La Masia and has recently been frustrated by a lack of first-team football.
Roberto was linked heavily with a move away from the Nou Camp in the summer but a move didn’t materialise. However, the player is keen to gain first team action and it would be a huge disappointment for Barcelona if he left.
Roberto’s versatility means that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is interested in him.
