Attractive quality fuelling Arsenal swoop for Barcelona star that ‘will leave’ 

Barcelona pair Sergi Roberto and Memphis Depay celebrating in 2021

Arsenal are one of two clubs weighing up a bargain swoop for a Barcelona star on course to leave when the season concludes, per a report.

Arsenal’s transfer strategy in the summer window was clear. Six first-teamers were signed with each player under the age of 24. Edu, Mikel Arteta and co have decided to invest in youth, making the experience their seasoned pros provide even more vital.

The Gunners are expected to continue shuffling their deck in the coming windows. A recent report revealed two stars who will soon see their Arsenal careers come to an end.

But from an arrivals perspective, Sport Witness (citing a report from the Spanish press), state Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto is attracting their attention.

The 29-year-old is capable of playing in multiple positions, namely central midfield and right-back. With Matteo Guendouzi likely to depart and Hector Bellerin out of favour after being shipped out on loan to Real Betis, Roberto could be an ideal everyman for Arteta’s squad.

Indeed, the outlet state Roberto’s versatility makes him an ‘attractive target’ for the Gunners.

Roberto is in the final year of his contract at the Camp Nou. The article claims talks had been held over extending his stay, though they have since broken down.

Arsenal director Edu to sanction mass clear-out

Arsenal director Edu to sanction mass clear-out

Arsenal technical director Edu will reportedly sanction a mass clear-out of seven first-team players in January, with more news on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As such, it’s declared Roberto ‘will leave’ as a free agent next summer.

Arsenal are one of two clubs reported to have shown interest. The identity of the other side is unstated.

Signing Roberto would be a departure from the club’s recent transfer strategy. Though given a transfer fee would not be required and Arsenal’s squad is so young, Roberto could be a smart acquisition indeed.


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Arsenal loanee puts in “best” ever display

Meanwhile, Marseille’s on-loan Arsenal defender William Saliba hailed his recent performance against Paris Saint-Germain as the best of his career, giving Mikel Arteta something to think on.

In his latest game on Sunday, he kept the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi at bay in a 0-0 draw with PSG. The capital club had won nine of 10 league games coming into France’s most high-profile rivalry.

“It was the best match of my career. It was a very, very good game,” Saliba told Le Parisien.

“After the red card we wanted to bring home the three points. We tried, but at the end even with ten men they managed to pass the ball around. They have the best players in the world.

“We’ve a few regrets but we’ve still come back with a solid point, it’s not that bad. We lack some efficiency.

“We gave a good account of ourselves and we fought until the end. And because of the atmosphere it was the most beautiful match of my career.”

READ MORE: Arteta admits he ‘prefers’ current version of Arsenal man after recent ‘click’