Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on one player Aston Villa are said to be targeting this summer.
It’s been an incredibly busy summer for Unai Emery and Monchi, with players coming and going from Aston Villa throughout the transfer window.
Despite having already welcomed seven new faces to the squad, there’s little to indicate that Monchi’s work in the market is done.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on one player Villa have been linked to, as Emery looks to bolster his squad.
Fabrizio Romano shares update on Aston Villa target Sergi Roberto
So far this summer, Emery has made only one defensive signing, coming in the form of left-back Ian Maatsen.
Now, it seems that the Spaniard is on the hunt for further options at full-back, with an update on Sergi Roberto’s future now provided.
In July, Spanish outlet Sport reported that Villa were ‘very close’ to convincing the 32-year-old to make the move to B6 however, no further movement has been noted.
Now, renowned journalist Romano has explained the situation that Roberto is facing when speaking to GIVEMESPORT on the versatile ace’s future.
While Romano confirmed there are ‘many links’ between clubs and the free agent, the former Barcelona star ‘is not close’ to deciding his future.
“There are many links. But, at the moment, Sergi Roberto is not close to any club, from what I’m hearing.
“Sergi Roberto is taking his time, he’s waiting for the opportunities on the market. He spoke to Ajax, for sure, he spoke to an Italian club also but,at the moment, still no decision made.
“Sergi Roberto is waiting and assessing all the options in the market, so could be a possibility for several clubs. But what I’m hearing is that, aso of today, he’s still not decided where he’s going next.”
GIVEMESPORT also noted Premier League rivals West Ham’s interest in the player, whom Emery may have to push to lure to Villa Park.
Sergi Roberto has the experience Villa need
Aside from being a player who has two Champions League titles and registered almost 400 appearances for Barcelona, Roberto could appeal to Emery for a different reason.
The Spaniard is as versatile as players come, being deployable in midfield, defence and attack in a range of positions on the pitch.
Most prominently, Roberto is a central midfielder and a right-back, two positions that the 32-year-old’s expertise could be crucial to in Villa’s squad.
Rising from the infamous La Masia, the Spaniard is preparing to venture away from Catalonia for the first time in his career, leaving behind a huge legacy at the Camp Nou.
As expected of a player of the Villa target’s calibre, Roberto has received rave reviews throughout his career at Barcelona, with Lionel Messi showering his former teammate with praise back in 2018, as per Barcelona’s official website.
Speaking to RAC1, Messi dubbed the versatile star as “one of the best right-backs in the world” when reflecting on Barcelona’s comeback against Emery’s PSG in the Champions League.
It would be a strong move from Monchi to hire the versatile veteran ahead of Villa’s Champions League adventure, with right-back certainly being a position needing attention before deadline day.
