Monaco Join Premier League Giants In The Race To Sign Sergi Roberto
REUTERS/Albert Gea
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Monaco have joined Premier league heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to sign Sergi Roberto.
After having progressed through the youth ranks at Barcelona, Roberto made his first-team debut under Pep Guardiola in 2010. The Spaniard started his career as a central midfielder, but Luis Enrique opted to play him in the right-back position after the departure of Dani Alves last summer.
The youngster made 47 appearances across all competition in the 2016-17 season and contributed to his team’s cause with a goal and 6 assists.
Considering his exploits for Blaugrana last season, Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea have already been strongly linked with him, and latest reports from Spain claim that the Ligue 1 Champions Monaco are also interested in signing the versatile player this summer.
After catching the attention of Europe with some scintillating performances last season, Monaco haven’t had a greatest of transfer window so far. They have already lost their key players to Premier clubs, and with more potential departures expected, Leonardo Jardim would be keen to sign a few more players before the transfer window closes.
The report in Don Balon goes on to say that though Roberto has excelled as a first-choice right-back in the absence of Aleix Vidal last season, the 25-year-old midfielder’s future is uncertain following the arrival of new manager Ernesto Valverde.
The former Atletico Bilbao boss is most likely to use new recruit Nelson Semedo in the full-back position, and even if Roberto is shifted to his favoured midfield position, he will have to fight with Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Gomes for a place in the starting lineup.
Knowing that the future of Roberto is under threat at Nou Camp, Monaco are hoping to take advantage of the situation, and are set to make a bid around £35m in the coming weeks.
Written by Pragadeesh Shanmugam 
United fan since Edwin Van der Sar denied Nicolas Anelka’s penalty to earn a dramatic Euro glory. Firmly believes that Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d’Or until he plays this sport. One time writer for GiveMeSport and Roar. A regular contributor to Sportskeeda and BlameFootball.
