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FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho

By Chiranjib Ghosh

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Sergi Roberto of Barcelona as he scores their sixth goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Sergi Roberto of Barcelona as he scores their sixth goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea interested in Barcelona’s versatile full-back Sergi Roberto

According to English publication Daily Express, Chelsea owner has decided to fund Antonio Conte’s wanted purchases. Conte himself admitted that his squad needed reinforcements.

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"He said, “We need to improve the quality and improve the squad because next season will be very tough for us.We are 16 players, without the goalkeepers, and to face four competitions in a good way we need more players.I have spoken with the club, they know this situation very well and we are trying to find the right solution.”"

And apparently, his solutions include signing Sergi Roberto to reinforce the right wing-back position, where Victor Moses lacks competition. Spanish football journalist Jose Luis Cazaro has reported that Chelsea are willing to activate his release clause.

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Roberto’s current contract contains a release clause of €40 million. Although it is not a unreasonable amount, Sergi Roberto adds a lot of value to the squad. He can play as a full-back and a midfielder, suiting the team’s needs. He could act as a utility player for Ernesto Valverde in the coming season.

Also, last season, he had expressed discontent at playing as a right-back. He could never fit in naturally in the role, and made several defensive mistakes which hurt the team. This could also be a factor in the deal. Conte needs him for a wing-back position, which is a defensive role. Roberto is unlikely to switch clubs to play in a position he feels uncomfortable in.

Barcelona sends officials to London to negotiate a deal for Philippe Coutinho

WIGAN, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Wigan Athletic and Liverpool at DW Stadium on July 14, 2017 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
WIGAN, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Wigan Athletic and Liverpool at DW Stadium on July 14, 2017 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Sport have reported that Barcelona have send representatives to London to speed up the slowing negotiations. They believe that the negotiations are ongoing but Liverpool are reluctant to let him go under €100 million. Therefore, the talks have been delayed.

Barcelona are willing to shell out €75 million for the star playmaker, going up to a maximum of €80 million. But since Liverpool were holding out for their original demand and Klopp making contradictory statements every other day, the negotiations needed a bump.

That is exactly what is going to happen from now onwards. But even if Barcelona convince Liverpool to accept their offer, the issue with the wages still remain. Although Coutinho is willing to take a pay cut to fulfill his ambition, the bonuses would make him one of the highest paid players of the club.

Next: Multiple reports emerge about Neymar's future

This would be a problem for Robert Fernandez as Juventus circle in for Andres Iniesta. If somehow Coutinho knocks the ageing Iniesta off the first-team, his will to end his career at Barcelona will evaporate and the club might lose one of its legends in 2018.

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