Arsenal and Manchester City vying for versatile Barcelona star

Arsenal and Manchester City could go head-to-head to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, Sport claims.

The Spain international has entered the final five months of his contract, and there has been no progress over an extension.

It was initially claimed that Roberto could accept a significant pay-cut to pen a renewal but nothing of that sort has happened.

Instead, the club are now braced for his departure on a free transfer. He could end up in the Premier League next season.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a firm admirer of the player's talents. Roberto could come in to replace Fernandinho.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are also eyeing a defensive midfielder. There is speculation that Granit Xhaka could leave.

Roberto is a holding midfielder by trade, but more than half of his games for Barcelona have come from the right-back role.

His versatility may have caught the eye of the Gunners and Cityzens. Roberto has yet to make a decision over his future.