Barcelona Rumors: Guardiola Could Be Key In Sensational Barca, Man City Defender Swap Deal

A historic name in Barcelona could trigger a sensational swap deal involving a top-flight champion club this summer.

Despite Joan Laporta’s assurance that Barcelona will be aggressive in adding reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window, the Catalans have yet to seal any major deal to this day.

However, a rumored swap deal involving Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte and Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto could finally mark the beginning of the start of Barca’s massive revamp, Spanish outlet Sport reported.

Manchester City defender Laporte was on the front page of the publication on Sunday as the paper said Barcelona is keen on bringing him to Camp Nou.

The headline that read “Objective Laporte” revealed that the La Liga giants have identified the 27-year-old as a player who could help solve the team’s defensive woes.

Though both Barcelona and Manchester City are “exploring joint opportunities” this summer, the former is concerned about Laporte’s price tag.

However, the report also noted that Barca is considering veteran defender Roberto as a makeweight in a possible swap deal to lure the Citizen star.

If the report is to be true, another hurdle Barcelona is likely to face is Roberto’s stance on the matter.

Apparently, the four-time La Liga champ isn’t open to the idea of departing Camp Nou, Marca reported.

However, the report further revealed that Roberto is only willing to leave Barcelona if he will "team up with his former boss Pep Guardiola,” who has led the Catalans to two UEFA Champions League titles in the past.

Roberto is approaching the final 12 months of his current deal with Barcelona. This also implies that including him in any swap deal this summer would avert the risk of losing him for free after one year.

Marred by injuries this past season, Roberto’s value is expected to drop heading into the next campaign.

Though Barca has yet to offer him a contract renewal, it is believed that a discussion will likely take place once he returns from holiday.

Laporte, on the other hand, failed to make an impact in Manchester City this past season. He has fallen out of favor in Guardiola’s defensive squad with Ruben Dias and John Stones becoming the renowned manager’s priority.

The three-time English Premier League champion is currently looking to redeem himself on the international stage, playing in this summer’s European Championship for his home country Spain.