FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Sergi Roberto and José Arnaiz

29th November 2017, Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain; Copa Del Rey, Barcelona versus Real Murcia; Jose Arnaiz celebrating his first goal with FC Barcelona (Photo by Pedro Salado/Action Plus via Getty Images)
29th November 2017, Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain; Copa Del Rey, Barcelona versus Real Murcia; Jose Arnaiz celebrating his first goal with FC Barcelona (Photo by Pedro Salado/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Manchester United register interest in Sergi Roberto

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 21: Sergi Roberto Carnicer of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga 2017-18 match between FC Barcelona and Malaga CF at Camp Nou on 21 October 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 21: Sergi Roberto Carnicer of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga 2017-18 match between FC Barcelona and Malaga CF at Camp Nou on 21 October 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)

After a lot of speculation, Barcelona began negotiations with Sergi Roberto over a new deal with an increase in his release clause (currently €40 million). But Roberto’s representatives have not reached a consensus with the club.

Roberto is intent upon staying at Barcelona, but wants an increase in his wage. The club is not interested in giving him a pay hike, and that is where the disagreement lies. Roberto loves the club, but he has started considering a transfer.

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Chelsea were actively trying to sign him in the summer, but failed because he himself wasn’t interested. Ernesto Valverde had assured him of an important role in the squad, and he wanted to stay.

But taking note of the recent developments, Manchester United have registered their interest in Sergi Roberto. They have the financial capability to activate Roberto’s release clause, and will do so considering he agrees to leave Spain.

The club needs to speed up the negotiations with him. There is just a week left to go before the January transfer window opens, and the club needs to be on its toes. Sergi Roberto is a very important player, and his loss would be huge blow to the squad at this stage of the season.

Arsenal track Barcelona starlet José Arnaiz

José Arnaiz has emerged as one of the best signings of t

29th November 2017, Camp Nou,  Spain; Copa Del Rey, Barcelona versus Real Murcia; Jose Arnaiz celebrating his first goal with Barca (Photo by Pedro Salado/Action Plus via Getty Images)
29th November 2017, Camp Nou,  Spain; Copa Del Rey, Barcelona versus Real Murcia; Jose Arnaiz celebrating his first goal with Barca (Photo by Pedro Salado/Action Plus via Getty Images)

he summer. The Spanish youngster was signed from Real Valladolid, and has turned out to be a revelation for the B team as well as the first-team.

Arnaiz has scored 6 times in 18 appearances this season, which is a solid return for a winger. But more notably, he has netted once in each appearance he has made for the first-team. Along with Carles Aleñá, he was called up by Ernesto Valverde to feature in the starting lineup in the Copa del Rey, against Real Murcia in both legs.

Arnaiz has turned out to be one of the most talented players in the B team, and is in contention for a permanent call-up to the first-team. But there is a loophole in his contract, it has a release clause of €20 million.

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Arsenal are reportedly among many top European clubs looking to exploit that. Arnaiz is a bright prospect for the future, and the club should start negotiations with him over a new contract with an increased release clause, immediately.