Serie A giants AS Roma are keen on signing Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto in a cut-price deal in a January transfer window.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Sergi Roberto is the subject of interest from AS Roma over a cut-price move in the January transfer window. The Serie A giants are prepared to offer a nominal sum to prise the versatile Spanish international away from Barcelona.
Sergi Roberto has been with Barcelona since joining the club’s famed academy, La Masia, in 2006. And in just four years’ time, the player broke into the first-team setup at Camp Nou, aged 18. Since then, he has grown into a reliable customer for the most part for the Blaugrana, with his versatility making him an asset.
However, in the last couple of seasons, the 29-year-old has endured a downturn in form. However, the player remains a key part of the senior side, having made 12 appearances across all competitions this term. However, Barcelona appear set to lose Roberto as a free agent as things stand, with his contract running out next summer. Such a situation has alerted AS Roma.
The interest from the Giallorossi is understandable, considering Gonzalo Villar is facing an uncertain future at Stadio Olimpico. With the young Spaniard likely to be offloaded, the Serie A giants will be in desperate need of a replacement, making Roberto a viable target.
Roberto is not the only Barcelona midfielder to have been linked with AS Roma, with Riqui Puig also on their radar. As far as the pursuit of Roberto is concerned, the Italian heavyweights are ready to launch the offensive for him in the January transfer window.
With his contract winding down next summer, the Serie A giants are looking to offer a nominal sum between €5 million and €10 million. For their part, Barcelona could be open to cashing in on Roberto instead of losing him for free in six months.
For now, it looks like Sergi Roberto could be on his way to AS Roma in the January transfer window in a cut-price move. However, it remains to be seen if a bid worth around €10 million is accepted by Barcelona, or if some of his other suitors, like Atletico Madrid or Manchester City, come through instead.