Barcelona monitoring the goalkeeper market amid uncertainty over academy ace’s future

FC Barcelona are focusing on player contracts this month as they look to sort out the future of their current squad members before eyeing new players in the summer.

The club have already extended the contract of Sergi Roberto and are set to hand a renewal offer to another veteran midfielder in Sergio Busquets. However, their attempts to renew Inaki Pena have not come to fruition just yet.

Reports earlier this year had claimed that Pena was on the verge of reaching an agreement with Barcelona over a new deal. But it appears the young goalkeeper is reconsidering his options, knowing he might be forced to play second-fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the years to come.

That is why Barcelona are now keeping their options open and may even enter the market for a new goalkeeper, reports SPORT.

With Pena featuring in just three competitive matches this season, there are serious doubts over his continuity. Barça, therefore, are keeping a close eye on the market. They are looking for a goalkeeper that can operate as the prime alternative for ter Stegen.

The Catalans are primarily looking for experienced options, who can come for free in the coming summer. They should not find any difficulty finding options either, as goalkeepers such as David Soria, Tomas Vaclik and Benoit Costil all have their contracts expiring at the end of the season.

However, it must be noted that Barcelona’s priority is to extend Pena’s contract. Despite his lack of prominence in the first team, the club consider the 24-year-old as a talented individual, who can potentially become a long-term replacement for ter Stegen.

Barcelona have had positive talks with Pena, but a definitive decision on the goalkeeper’s future could come by the end of the month.