Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Sergi Roberto from Barcelona, who value the Spanish utility man at around €25 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Atletico Madrid are lining up a shock raid on Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on signing Junior Firpo, Sergi Roberto and Martin Braithwaite to solve a few issues with their squad.
Sergi Roberto has been with Barcelona for a decade and a half now and has spent his entire senior club footballing career at Camp Nou. However, the last couple of seasons have seen his stock plummet considerably, with his performances in the second half of 2020/21 particularly leaving a lot to be desired.
The 29-year-old managed just 20 appearances across all competitions this past season, with only 12 of those coming from the get-go. The decline in stature has also cost him his place in the Spanish national side at UEFA Euro 2020. And his time at Barcelona could well come to an end this summer, with Atletico Madrid among the clubs looking to secure his services.
In fact, Atletico Madrid are courting as many as three Barcelona outcasts, with Junior Firpo and Martin Braithwaite also on their radar. As for Roberto, he could be a viable option to replace Kieran Trippier amid the Englishman’s links with Manchester United.
With Sime Vrsaljko and Santiago Arias also facing uncertain futures at Wanda Metropolitano, Roberto could well become the first-choice right-back for Los Rojiblancos next term. Having said that, the Barcelona utility man could also be an option in midfield in the wake of Saul Niguez’s potential departure.
Atletico Madrid, though, will need to shell out around €25 million to secure the services of the 29-year-old in the summer transfer window. However, the reigning La Liga champions are not the only big-name suitors in pursuit of the Barcelona star, with Manchester City also showing an interest in signing him.
What now remains to be seen is if Atletico Madrid step up their interest in Roberto further by launching the offensive for him. It will also be interesting to see if the experienced midfielder becomes the subject of a transfer battle between the Colchoneros and Manchester City, which ought to bode well for Barcelona.