Manchester City, Arsenal set to battle for free transfer signing of Barcelona midfielder

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto is expected to be on his way out of Camp Nou at the end of the season. The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Catalan giants and talks over a new deal broke down, with reports claiming that an extension is now off the table.

That means Roberto will be a free agent come the end of the season. And, clubs are already lining up to sign the versatile Barca star when his deal runs out.

Atletico Madrid had been linked with a move for the Spanish international, but now Arsenal and Manchester City have also entered the fray for his signing. Indeed, as reported by Fichajes (h/t SI), both the Premier League clubs are now interested in signing Roberto.

The Spaniard is someone that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola knows very well. After all, it was him that handed the midfielder turned right-back his first-team debut for Barca way back in 2010. With Fernandinho’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Roberto could be seen as an option to add more depth to the midfield department at the Etihad.

As for Arsenal, they too are on the lookout for new midfielders due to the recent injury problems faced by the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. In addition, Mohamed Elneny does not have a future at the Emirates either. Roberto, thus, makes for an enticing option, especially considering that he would not cost a penny in transfer fees.

A veteran of over 300+ appearances for Barcelona, the Spanish international is not a regular in the current setup anymore. And, with talks over a new deal breaking down, it is all but certain that he will be on his way out come summer. Whether it will be to Arsenal or Manchester City or a different club altogether remains to be seen.