Report: Man United and Chelsea go head-to-head for Barcelona first-teamer with £36m release clause
By Aramide Oladipo
Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto has attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea this summer, according to a report.
Spanish outlet Don Balon claims that the two Premier League teams alongside French champions Monaco are ready to match the 25-year-old’s release clause of £36million.
The report claims that Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain attempted to lure the Spaniard to France earlier this summer but the player refused to leave the Camp Nou.
Sergi Roberto has been deployed as a right full-back for last two seasons with the Barcelona squad possessing excellent midfield talent such as Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
The Spaniard will always be remembered for his dramatic last-gasp winning goal in the Champions League round of 16 match against PSG last season, where Barcelona secured a memorable comeback, winning the game 6-1.
The midfielder was regular for the side last season, featuring in a total of 47 matches in all competitions.
The Spain international’s current contract at the Camp Nou runs out in 2019.
Football Insider verdict
Following the incredible departure of Neymar to Champions League rivals PSG, Barcelona cannot afford to see another first-team player exit the Camp Nou this summer. It’s easy to see why managers Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte would be interested in Sergi Roberto as he is a very versatile player who is comfortable playing in defence or at the heart of the midfield. The player himself might consider a move if he feels that he wants to be deployed in his favoured midfield position but with United recently signing Nemanja Matic and Chelsea securing the signature of Tiemoue Bakayoko, the Spaniard is not likely to become a regular midfield starter in the Premier League.
In other Manchester United news, Real Madrid want include this first-team player in a deal which could see Gareth Bale secure a move to Old Trafford.
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