Agent now expects club will tell ‘marvellous’ Arsenal target to leave

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Josep Maria Orobitg expects Barcelona will offer Sergi Roberto a contract with a salary ‘so low’ as to tell the reported Arsenal transfer target to leave, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Roberto is out of contract at the Camp Nou at the end of the term when his £164k-a-week deal expires. Orobitg predicts the Blaugrana will open talks over a potential extension, but feels the Catalan giants will only use any discussions as a means to bring forward the end.

Barcelona are actively exploring new right-back options ahead of the next transfer window with Noussair Mazraoui a leading option. The 24-year-old is similarly set to be a free agent from June, as there are no longer any doubts that the Moroccan will leave Ajax this year.

Barcelona are optimistic that Mazraoui will move to Catalunya at the end of the term after months of negotiations. The Camp Nou hierarchy have met his agent, Mino Raiola, several times to discuss the move. The full-back also likes the idea of joining a La Liga powerhouse.

His arrival in Spain would put further doubts over the futures of Roberto and Sergino Dest at the Camp Nou. So, Roberto’s agent, Orobitg, expects Barcelona to offer a new contract with a wage ‘so low’ as to tell the 30-year-old that his time in Catalunya is now at its end.

Arsenal land boost in free transfer chase of Barcelona full-back Roberto

Orobitg’s expectations of Barcelona’s contract offer will also hand Arsenal a boost in their transfer chase of Roberto. ARA reported in February that the Gunners are exploring a move to sign the 11-cap Spain international for free to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s right-back ranks.

Arsenal’s path to Roberto’s transfer could be cleared if Barcelona show he has no future at the Camp Nou. It is highly unlikely that the Blaugrana look to keep their academy product, having only featured nine times so far this season across all competitions, starting just six.

Injuries have also seen that Roberto has not played in any competition since October. The full-back Luis Enrique once called ‘marvellous’ had surgery in December for an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh and is not likely back until at least the end of March.