Barcelona keeps options open as Inaki Pena contract talks stall

Sergi Roberto's contract has already been extended, and the team looks set to make a renewal offer to veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets. However, their attempts to renew goalkeeper Inaki Pena's contract have hit a snag.

Earlier this year, reports suggested that Pena was close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona over a new contract. However, it now appears that the young goalkeeper is reconsidering his options, knowing that he may be forced to play second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the coming years.

According to SPORT, Barcelona are reportedly now keeping their options open and may even enter the market for a new goalkeeper. With Pena featuring in just three competitive matches this season, there are doubts about his continuity in the team. Barcelona management are, therefore, keeping a close eye on the market and looking for a goalkeeper who can operate as the prime alternative to Ter Stegen.

The club is primarily seeking experienced options who can join for free in the summer. Goalkeepers such as David Soria, Tomas Vaclik, and Benoit Costil all have contracts expiring at the end of the season and could be potential targets.

It is important to note that Barcelona's priority would still be to extend Pena's contract. Despite his lack of prominence in the first team, the club considered the 24-year-old a talented individual who could become a long-term replacement for Ter Stegen.

Barcelona have had positive talks with Pena, but a definitive decision on the goalkeeper's future may not come until the end of the month.