Sergi Roberto 'optimistic' over Barcelona contract renewal

Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto has confessed he remains in talks over a contract extension at Camp Nou and expects to see things wrapped up soon.

Talks over a new contract have rumbled on for months but looked to hit a wall last week, when reports emerged suggesting negotiations had broken down completely and the 29-year-old was set to leave the club when his deal expires in the summer.

Since then, however, president Joan Laporta has confirmed that those talks remain on, telling RAC1: "We are in the process of restructuring his contract. He has made a great gesture for Barcelona. It's not finalised because there are details to be specified."

Roberto has now added to that, confessing to Sport that he is confident things will be wrapped up soon.

"Yes, I am optimistic," he said. "The president has already said everything you need to know.

"This summer has been very busy, there has been a lot going on and there is still a lot surrounding the team and everything, but just as the president said, I'm confident and I believe that it will close soon."

The basics of an agreement running until 2024 have already been thrashed out, with Roberto agreeing to lower his salary and also accepting a deferral to the wages due to be paid to him this season.

There is also confidence that Roberto will soon be followed by youngsters Pedri, Ansu Fati and Gavi, all of whom remain in talks over new contracts.

"The will is to extend the young players that we have," Laporta added. "We are working to extend all the young players. They are responding well and we are in an extension process.

"The coming week, I am confident that I will be able to give some good news. We have made good progress for Pedri. It's going well with Ansu Fati."