According to a report from ARA and Rac1 newspaper journalist Xavi Hernández Navarro, Barcelona star Sergi Roberto is ready for a new challenge this summer once his current deal expires by the end of the current season. Arsenal are leading the race for the versatile Spaniard (Fichajes.net understands) but might face competition from Manchester City due to the player’s availability on a Bosman.
The Gunners are fighting to redeem lost glory under Mikel Arteta and have shown signs of improvement after a disastrous start. They have trimmed down the squad in recent windows by clearing the deadwood but, at the same time, must focus on bolstering the current set-up with quality inclusion. A place in Europe is up for grabs and the flexibility of Roberto would strengthen the North Londoners given their over-reliance on an array of promising youngsters.
The 30-year-old Spain international progressed through the esteemed ranks of La Masia before breaking into their senior side back in 2010. He eventually earned a key squad role and played his part in Barca’s domestic and European honours. So far, he has made 316 appearances for the Catalans but is currently nursing a hamstring injury that has ruled him out for months.
Meanwhile, the return of Dani Alves and the emergence of Sergiño Dest has reduced his significance as a right fullback. Moreover, the Blaugrana are keen to add Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta to their ranks once his contract at Stamford Bridge runs down in summer. The likes of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Nico González, Gavi and Pedri are ahead of him in the pecking order as midfield options and Roberto, therefore, is eyeing for a fresh opportunity to step out of his comfort zone. He is ready to lower his wages but would turn down a short-term deal from his boyhood club, the report has claimed.
Why Arsenal Should Snap Him Up
Arsenal, on the other hand, lack enough depth as well as quality in central midfield. Granit Xhaka has been highly inconsistent, whereas Mohamed Elneny is likely to part ways with no contract talks in place. Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga have not settled in yet and the Gunners, thus, must make the most of Roberto’s experience by securing his services.
The egress of Calum Chambers has left a void down the wide with Takehiro Tomiyasu operating as the first-team right fullback. Cedric Soares has rarely featured in recent years and the manager, thus, would have someone to challenge and cover the Japanese defender as Chambers’ successor. It remains to be seen though how things shape up in the forthcoming future.
