Unai Emery wants to bring Sergi Roberto to Aston Villa following his release from Barcelona after a dramatic U-turn.
According to Sport, Aston Villa are very much interested in Sergi Roberto, with Unai Emery keen to sign the utility player on a free transfer. Economically, such a deal would suit the Premier League side after his exit from Barcelona, as he does have plenty of options to choose from.
Unai Emery is pushing for Sergi Roberto
Aston Villa have suddenly become an attractive destination for some top players owing to their offering of Champions League football ahead of the new season. Unai Emery has transformed this team from relegation battlers when he took over to now a top-four side.
Emery wants the team to be established as a top-four hopeful in the new season, and for that, he continues to attack the transfer window for quality additions. Despite losing two big stars in Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby, Villa have done well in the window to sign reinforcements, as Emery might look for another midfielder in addition to Amadou Onana.
Sergi Roberto’s availability has sparked them into the chase for the ex-Barcelona captain, who has versatile qualities that will help Emery in a big way. Aston Villa and West Ham are among those chasing the midfielder, while he might have reported an interest from Saudi Arabia, although he’s keen to stay in Europe.
Roberto wants a Premier League move if things go according to plan, and Aston Villa are the best place to offer him Champions League football next season. West Ham are also a capable suitor, with the lure of London also likely to play its role in this chase. For now, the ex-Barcelona captain will sit and decide his future as he evaluates the offers in front.
Barcelona return unlikely
Barcelona were poised to offer him a new deal, although a late U-turn means Roberto is now a free agent, with new manager Hansi Flick also confirming his departure. The Blaugrana had reportedly offered him a deal with the same pay package as the previous one. Still, due to their ongoing financial troubles, they decided against renewing and clearing up space in their wage structure.
Hence, for any club interested in the ex-Barcelona captain, such as Aston Villa or West Ham, a considerable increase in his previous salary might be something they should consider offering. For now, Villa may have a stronger pull than the Hammers. But stranger things have happened in football transfers before.
