Barcelona will try to convince La Masia graduate to stay for at least one more season

While the future of Sergio Busquets has been dominating the headlines of late, Barcelona also have the contract situation of goalkeeper Inaki Pena to worry about.

The 24-year-old La Masia product is also in the final few months of his contract with the Catalans. Talks over a renewal had been taking place but the custodian has decided to stall the negotiations recently.

It has been a difficult campaign for Pena as he has managed to just three appearances in all competitions. Given Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s imperious form, Pena’s situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon either.

It has led to concerns within the Spanish shot-stopper about game-time and he is now considering leaving Barcelona as a free agent at the end of the season.

But according to Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are still hoping to keep hold of Pena and want to convince him to stay put at the club for at least one more year.

The Catalan giants continue to rate Pena highly and value his talents. While initially, they were hoping to keep hold of him for at least until 2026, they now hope to retain him for at least for one more year.

It is stated that Barcelona are aware that it would be difficult for them to find a new goalkeeper like Pena to provide backup to ter Stegen.

But if they are unable to do so, the plan is for Arnau Tenas to be promoted to the senior team from Barça Atletic so that the 21-year-old can be the second choice. His contract also expires in the summer, but the club retain the option to unilaterally extend him for two more years.