Man Utd & Chelsea Face Battle To Sign £36m Spanish International

Managers are now pressing ahead with their plans for the final weeks of the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, the latest on Sergi Roberto’s future…

Manchester United and Chelsea face a fight to sign Sergi Roberto this summer as Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde insists he wants to keep hold of the £36m-rated star, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Roberto has been with Barca his entire career having progressed through their La Masia youth academy but his future has been cast in doubt following the arrivals of Nelson Semedo and Paulinho this summer.

The 25-year-old made his name as a central midfielder but he’s developed in to a right-back in recent years and he made the majority of his 47 appearances last season in the defensive position.

Semedo is expected to be deployed as Valverde’s first choice right-back this season while Paulinho’s arrival will limit the amount of playing time Roberto will get in midfield so it’s understandable that the player has been contemplating his future.

The Spanish international has attracted interest from the Premier League with The Sun reporting earlier this week that Man Utd and Chelsea are willing to meet his £36m release clause and offer him a fresh start in England.

Jose Mourinho has already signed Nemanja Matic this summer so central midfield probably isn’t an area of concern for the United boss but Roberto’s ability to play at right-back means he could be viewed as a long-term replacement for 32-year-old Antonio Valencia.

Antonio Conte is desperate to bring in more signings before the end of the month and the Chelsea boss wants to strengthen at right wing-back and in midfield so Roberto would be the ideal addition at Stamford Bridge.

However, it looks like the English giants have a fight on their hands as the M.E.N are carrying a quote from Valverde where he insists Roberto remains an important part of his plans for this season.

“Of course, I am absolutely counting on him. In some games he will be a major player and in some games no, but he remains an important player.”

Obviously Barca can’t stop the likes of Chelsea or United from triggering his release clause but Roberto may now be leaning towards staying with his boyhood club after Valverde’s latest comments.

However, there is still a chance the player will push for a move if he isn’t given guarantees over his first team chances as no doubt Roberto will want to be playing regular this season to boost his chances of making the Spain squad for the 2018 World Cup.

READ MORE –> Man Utd transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop but I think he’d be a superb signing if United or Chelsea could lure Roberto to the Premier League this summer.