Barcelona have turned down a €40 million bid from Manchester United for Sergi Roberto, who is also a target for Chelsea.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have declared Sergi Roberto as a non-transferable player, having rejected a €40 million bid from Manchester United for the Spaniard. Chelsea are also a suitor for the midfielder-turned-right-back and could also come in with an offer.
Sergi Roberto surprisingly arrived into the first-team setup as a right-back and established himself, despite being a natural midfielder. Luis Enrique was in dire need of a right-back since the departure of Dani Alves, especially with Aleix Vidal failing to impress the manager.
Man United and Chelsea are considering making moves for Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. His release clause is £36m. (Source: Don Balon) pic.twitter.com/15hCvkLShF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 6, 2017
And in the wake of emergency, Sergi rose to prominence as he starred in a makeshift role, making 47 appearances in total over last season, with 6 assists and a goal to his name. However, new manager Ernesto Valverde has already made his intention of reinstating the player’s midfield role known.
The player, though, could be set to leave the club, with Manchester United and Chelsea both interested. The Red Devils are looking for further reinforcements and Sergi Roberto could be an ideal player with the ability to play both as a midfielder and now as a right-back as well.
Jose Mourinho has spoken to Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto about a move to Man United.
(Source: Daily Star)#FanAntics
pic.twitter.com/gu8aWxuLnL— Fan Antics (@FanAnticsFC) August 2, 2017
Chelsea, too, were looking at the player as a potential solution to the dearth of options at right wing-back. The Blues were looking to activate the player’s supposed release clause, especially after failure in the pursuit of Danilo and Benjamin Mendy.
However, according to recent reports, Manchester United have submitted a €40 million bid for the Spaniard, which has been swiftly rejected by Barcelona, who have declared the player as not for sale and an indispensable part of the team.
Barcelona have been scouring for a midfielder throughout the summer and Valverde believes Roberto has the same profile as Paulinho – the player they have been rumoured to be interested in. Hence, the player could alleviate the need for a new midfielder altogether.
It will be interesting to see if the club changes its stance on the player’s unavailability or the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are forced to look elsewhere to reinforce their respective squads.
