Barcelona star Sergi Roberto has reportedly emerged on the radar of rivals Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Sergi Roberto is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid over a shock move in the summer transfer window. The 29-year-old Barcelona utility star is admired by Diego Simeone for his versatility and could be set for a transfer ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Sergi Roberto arrived at Barcelona aged 14 in 2006, when he joined their famed La Masia academy and subsequently made swift progress before breaking into the first-team setup in 2010. And, over the past half-a-dozen years, the Spanish international has been a regular fixture for the Blaugrana, raking in close to 50 appearances just about ever season.
Till date, Roberto has turned out 302 times for Barcelona, chipping in with 10 goals and 36 assists. However, his place in the first-team setup is at risk following the advent of Sergino Dest, while in midfield, he is unlikely to get even a look-in. His precarious position at Camp Nou has alerted rivals Atletico Madrid, who are plotting a shock summer swoop now.
At Atletico Madrid, the right-back spot could be in need of bolstering this summer, with Kieran Trippier linked with a shock move to Real Madrid. Midfield, too, could be an area that will have to be reinforced, with Saul Niguez facing an uncertain future at the Wanda Metropolitano.
In fact, the Spanish international has been linked with Barcelona among others, meaning Los Rojiblancos will need to enter the market for a replacement. To that end, Roberto is a viable target for Atletico Madrid, seeing as he could replace either Trippier or Saul in the first-team setup. And, with his current deal expiring next year, the 29-year-old utility star could be available for cheap.
For now, though, what appears to be certain is that Barcelona are open to the prospect of cashing in on Roberto in the summer transfer window, with contract negotiations held up. What will be interesting to see, though, is whether Atletico Madrid end up swooping him away from Barcelona in a shock move ahead of the 2021/22 season.