Unai Emery is now close to beating his old employers Arsenal to a transfer target as Aston Villa near an agreement.
The Villans can offer targets UEFA Champions League football for the first time – having only previously played in the competition when it was called the European Cup.
Aston Villa close to signing Arsenal target Sergi Roberto
A story from SPORT in Spain now claims that Aston Villa are close to striking an agreement with Sergi Roberto.
The Spain international has just seen his contract at Barcelona expire, and while he would ideally like to stay at the Camp Nou – where he has spent his entire career – the player produced by La Masia now feels resigned to leaving as the Spanish giants focus on other deals.
It comes after a separate story from SPORT claimed that Arsenal have opened talks with Roberto.
The Spanish news outlet believe West Ham are also keen to sign the 32-year-old this summer on a free transfer, although Aston Villa are now the favourites.
SPORT state that Emery is close to convincing the man from Reus about a move to Villa Park, and if that is genuinely the case, this deal could be finalised quite swiftly given his status as a free agent.
Spain international can cover two positions for Unai Emery
If Aston Villa can get this deal over the line, it would provide Emery with a quality option in two key areas.
Roberto is a central midfielder by trade, having made 218 appearances in that position throughout his career.
However, the Spaniard is also very comfortable at right-back.
In fact, Lionel Messi even called Roberto “one of the best right-backs in the world” when eulogising over his then Barcelona teammate back in 2018.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Aston Villa could soon agree a contract with Roberto.
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