Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United have been offered the services of former Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey on HITC, Sergi Roberto could be seen in the Premier League next season as Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign the former Barcelona skipper. With the experienced campaigner available for free, it will be interesting to see if any of the clubs ends up making a move.
Roberto joined Barcelona back in 2006; he went up their ranks at some pace and got promoted to the first team in 2013. The 32-year-old utility man has played a very important role in all the success they have had in the past decade.
Sergi Roberto wasn’t one of the stars in the team, but his versatility is what made him a special player for Barcelona. While the majority of Roberto’s appearances were in the centre of the park, he was also capable of playing anywhere on the flanks, with right-back being second nature to him.
But, his time with the Blaugrana has come to an end after his contract ran out. The ex-Barcelona skipper is currently a free agent and is on the lookout for an opportunity elsewhere. His agents are working hard to find him the best possible destination for the final phase of his career.
Sergi Roberto to join a Premier League club?
Roberto’s agents have offered his services to quite a few top clubs from across Europe. As per the report, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been made aware of his availability. The Gunners have recently bolstered their defence by adding Riccardo Calafiori to it and they are also working on a deal to sign Mikel Merino.
While these signings will surely have a positive impact, they still need more depth and in particular, someone who can compete with Ben White for the right-back slot. With quite a few Arsenal players expected to be on the move, Sergi Roberto could just be the ideal addition because of his versatility.
The veteran’s experience could play a key role in a dressing room where they are looking to end their wait for the title. As per recent reports, the Gunners have already made an approach for his services.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa can also do with the experienced campaigner around. With Aston Villa gearing up to feature in the Champions League, he could be a great addition to Unai Emery’s squad. Eddie Howe is seeking depth in quite a few areas, and Roberto’s versatility could help his team. In the end, it might depend on the player’s wage demands because at 32, he surely still has a few years left in him.