Barcelona put Arsenal on red alert with surprise decision to release Gunners target

Arsenal target Sergi Roberto is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season because the club have 'no intention' of renewing his contract.

Roberto is into the final six months of his current deal at Barca and Xavi Hernandez has tried to tie the 31-year-old down to a new contract. This is despite struggling for regular game time so far this term, with Roberto starting just eight matches in all competitions.

However, according to AS, Barcelona have no desire to offer Roberto fresh terms and will allow the Spaniard's contract to run down it expires in the summer. Roberto is set to follow manager Xavi, who will leave Barca at the end of the season, out of the exit door.

It's reported Xavi made a strong case to the Barcelona board about Roberto's renewal last summer, but the Spanish champions ignored his request. Having emerged through the famous La Masia academy, Roberto has made over 350 appearances during his time at Barca, winning 20 major trophies.

After scoring four goals and providing one assist in 23 matches during Barcelona's La Liga title win last season, Roberto's game time has significantly reduced this term. That is largely due to injuries, with Roberto missing seven games earlier this season after picking up a muscle problem.

Roberto also sat out of Barcelona's 5-3 defeat against Villareal on Saturday with an Achilles issue, which is expected to keep him out for around two weeks. Despite this, Arsenal have been monitoring Roberto's contract situation and reports in Spain last month claimed the Gunners had made an enquiry for the player.

He would add experience and quality to the Arsenal squad, as well as the versatility to play in a number of positions, including in midfield and on the right side of a back four. Roberto, who was named Barcelona captain last summer following Sergio Busquets' departure, is a natural leader and would bring some extra knowhow to the side, having won seven La Liga titles and the Champions League on two occasions.

Meanwhile, Xavi confirmed following Barca's defeat at home to Villareal that he would be stepping down in the summer. He said: "I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It's time for change. As a Cule, I think that it's time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June."

He added: "Everything will be calmer now, we can compete for the Champions League… at least with this decision you [the press] won’t kill me anymore. The club will improve with this decision."