Arsenal have emerged as a contender to sign veteran Barcelona star who wants to leave CAMP NOU in the summer because of financial crisis
Arsenal have become a contender to sign Barcelona star Sergio Roberto as the 31-year-old faces an uncertain future in Spain.
The Canaries will be looking to strengthen their ranks in 2024, when Mikel Arteta’s team will challenge for the Premier League title.
The loss to West Ham in midweek highlighted some of the weaknesses in Arteta’s squad and the Arsenal boss will no doubt already be looking ahead to January.
The latest name to be linked with a move to the Emirates is Barcelona’s Roberto, who is expected to weigh up his options for the future.
Roberto’s contract expires at the end of the season, although the club have the option to extend it for another year.
According to Sport, Roberto wants to continue at Barcelona, but he will consider offers from the Premier League if he has to leave.
The report claims that Arsenal were the last club interested in Roberto, as Arteta “highly values” the 31-year-old Barcelona star and is “to Arteta’s liking” given his profile.
Roberto could be a useful reinforcement for the Gunners as he can play a variety of roles. He can play in midfield or in attack, but in this area the Gunners would need some strength.
Since making his debut for Barcelona in 2010, the experienced midfielder has made more than 350 appearances for the club and won no less than 20 trophies.
Roberto is said to want to play in MLS one day, but for now he wants to continue his career in Europe.
In 2021, the Barcelona player was linked with a move to Manchester City, but that deal did not materialize in the end.
This season, Roberto has made few appearances under Xavi, starting just four games in all competitions.
He has missed much of the season due to injury, so it remains to be seen if Barcelona will be willing to extend his contract.
Besides Roberto, Arsenal are also tracking his teammate Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Man City.
Cancelo has long been a target for Arsenal and despite failing to sign a contract this summer, it seems that they are ready to try their luck next year.
Barcelona are keen to sign the Portuguese star on a permanent basis, although their complicated financial situation may make that difficult.
Arsenal will undoubtedly monitor both Roberto and Cancelo in the coming weeks and months and consider an approach.
Arsenal’s main aim in January will be to sign another central striker, although a player with Roberto’s experience could also help in the final months of the season.
