Pep Guardiola has made it abundantly clear with his transfer window activity that he has big plans for his full-backs in the upcoming season. Manchester City having been halted in their chase for Tottenham’s Kyle Walker, have set their sights at midfielder turned right-back, Sergi Roberto. Mundo Deportivo are reporting a rejected £30m bid for the Spaniard amidst Barcelona’s wrangling with Arsenal to bring back Hector Bellerin.
The 25-year-old Sergi Roberto featured at right-back under Luis Enrique after Dani Alves left for Juventus. He excelled in his role so much so that he was chosen ahead of Bellerin, a natural right-back to cover for Dani Carvajal in the Spanish national team. But his lack of pace exposed him somewhat against more tactical minded opposition who identified the shortcomings of the player and capitalised on it.
Incoming Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde seems intent on using Roberto as a midfielder reverting from his current role, as a backup for Sergio Busquets. The switch would be subject to Hector Bellerin coming back into the Barcelona fold.
With Sport reporting that Barcelona is readying a £26m bid for the Spanish right-back, Arsene Wenger may have to give in to the player’s demand who has expressed a desire to return to his boyhood club. Initially reluctant on facilitating Bellerin’s move back to the Camp Nou, holding on to the player against his wishes could have adverse long term effects.
While being one of the most talented young players in the Arsenal squad, it would be recommended on the Arsenal board’s part to sanction the sale and look to spend the money on other available options.
Assuming Arsenal sanctions the sale, it is unclear whether Barcelona would still be willing to part with Sergi Roberts owing to his versatility. Comfortable both as a right-back and in midfield, he could double up as a backup for both Busquets and Bellerin.
Does it make sense for Manchester City to bid upwards of £30m for a player who wouldn’t be an automatic first team choice, behind Dani Alves in the pecking order? Maybe, maybe not. He could also turn out to be the long term option at the club. But his lack of pace could prove to be an issue in England especially, where most teams look to hit on the counter.
If Man City manage to sign him, he could prove to be a natural if provided with a little cover down the flanks. His strong passing and ability to hold on to the ball is in sync with Pep’s ethos of starting attacks from the back. But chances of Barcelona sanctioning the sale look slim on the ground. Man City may return with a better offer, good enough to prize away the 25-year-old. Or they may look at other options like Real Madrid’s Danilo who may be on the move this summer.
