Arsenal blow as ‘Atletico Madrid make contact with Barcelona contract rebel Sergi Roberto ahead of free transfer’
ARSENAL’S hopes of securing Sergi Roberto on a free transfer have reportedly suffered a blow.
Now it appears that Atletico Madrid are in the driving seat in the chase to sign Barcelona’s versatile star once his contract expires in June.
The 30-year-old playmaker is on Mikel Arteta’s radar over a move this summer.
Roberto is still yet to sign a new contract, and with Barcelona prioritising other players amid their financial problems, he looks certain to depart.
The ace, who can operate as a defensive midfielder, full-back or winger, did allegedly have his heart set on a switch to the Premier League.
But Atletico are ready to rival Arsenal for his signature and have already reportedly made their move.
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Calciomercato journalist Matteo Moretto has now claimed that Diego Simeone’s club have made a first contract offer to Roberto.
He states that “there is no agreement” and “nothing closed” yet as both parties need to talk further over the coming weeks.
And he also provided an update on the prospect of him staying at the Nou Camp.
He tweeted: “To this day there is no record of a meeting with Barca for the renewal, which is becoming more complicated every day.”
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Roberto came through the ranks at Barcelona’s academy.
He has won six LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues during his time there.
And he played a key role in their rebuild this season before being struck down by injury.