Arsenal are considering a move for Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto, according to Fichajes.net.
He is out of contract at the end of the season and ‘there is no information’ yet on the renewal.
The ‘main problem’, beyond convincing the 29-year-old to lower his salary, is that he is demanding a long-term contract. The La Liga side, however, plan to offer a short-term deal, so they can ‘think about the sale’ in the near future.
Roberto can be used as a right-back and can also operate in the middle of the pitch. The Spain international ‘does not fit into’ Xavi Hernández’s plans at the Camp Nou.
Arsenal get a mention as they are looking at the Spaniard ‘at the request’ of Mikel Arteta The north London club are ‘interested’ in securing Roberto’s services since he is an ‘old wish’ of their manager.
The Gunners view him as a player who can challenge the likes of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield, and compete with Takehiro Tomiyasu for the right-back slot.
Arsenal are looking to sign a midfielder in the winter market and Juventus’ Arthur Melo is the main target. If a deal for the Brazilian doesn’t materialise, Arteta’s side would then be interested in taking Roberto on a free transfer next summer.
