Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highly values Barcelona right-back Sergi Roberto, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The Gunners have been keeping tabs on the 31-year-old for a while, and they could look to renew interest in him as he is...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highly values Barcelona right-back Sergi Roberto, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The Gunners have been keeping tabs on the 31-year-old for a while, and they could look to renew interest in him as he is out of contract at the end of the season and would be available for a decent fee next month.
While Roberto has largely featured as a full-back in recent seasons for Barca, he is a natural box-to-box midfielder and sometimes plays there.
He was deployed in midfield in his last game before the La Liga break, and he bagged a brace to help his side secure a 3-2 victory over Almeria.
Arsenal are looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park and defence, and Roberto could solve their problems given his versatility, huge experience and quality.
The Barca captain also loves London, spending Christmas there and often visiting, and a move to link up with the Gunners could appeal to him.
He brings much-needed experience to the table and could help boost their chances of winning the Premier League title.
Roberto has not been playing regularly this term, featuring in just eight games across all competitions so far, and a move elsewhere could appeal to him.
Arsenal need such a player within their ranks given what he brings to the table.
He is an excellent crosser and passer, which was why he was converted to a right-back, and he is also comfortable holding on to the ball, playing out from the back and blocking the ball.
Whether a January deal would go through remains to be seen, but the Gunners need to try and get one over the line as they look to keep to Financial Fair Play rules.
Arsenal need all the help they can get heading into the second-half of the campaign, and having a player with the versatility and quality of Roberto could make all the difference.
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