Although there are still 2 months to go until the end of the season, defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have already begun preparations for this summer's transfer work. According to Spain's "Daily Sport" news, the Bed Sheets Legion is approaching Barcelona midfielder Roberto, whose contract expires this summer, and has issued a specific contract, only for the player himself to nod. In addition, another former Real Madrid winger is also on Atletico's list of reinforcements.
Back last year, Barca opened talks to renew Roberto's contract and named him one of the team's four captains. But while Roberto accepted a pay cut, Barca still failed to meet the salary he demanded on his new contract. At present, Barca do not intend to open a new contract extension, even if Roberto himself and manager Xavi are very willing to reach a contract extension to continue to cooperate. The current situation is that the two sides have not talked in person for three months to renew the contract, and Barca believe that the best offer has been given to Roberto, there will be no more concessions in the contract, and even they need to consider whether to keep the Spanish player.
After all, the current Barca midfield is well manned and fiercely competitive, Roberto can only play as a right winger, and the right winger has Dest, Alves, Andaujo can also make cameos, so Roberto can only choose to continue to reduce his salary to continue to become a Barca substitute. The pending renewal puts Atletico in a very good position, and manager Simeone admires Roberto. The 30-year-old Roberto can play as right-back and midfielder, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist in 12 appearances for Barca this season.
In addition to Roberto, Atletico also want to waive Di Maria, whose contract also expires, this summer. While the Angels' contract with Paris Grande includes a one-year option renewal clause, the Argentine winger has not scored since scoring on November 28 last year. The decline in form and the 34-year-old make it difficult for the Angels to stay in the team. Atletico boss Simeone met with Di Maria in Madrid last month, and both Argentine compatriots see this summer as a good opportunity to work together.