Barcelona icon 'finalising' mystery Premier League transfer after U-turn on deal

Barcelona star Sergi Roberto is on the verge of a Premier League move, it's claimed.

Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked with the Spanish utility man, who is out of contract in Catalonia and set to leave his boyhood club on a free transfer.

According to reports in Spain, he has chosen the Premier League as his next destination after deciding to leave Barca - despite agreeing a new deal, says Mundo Deportivo.

The academy graduate agreed terms but the club were not able to register him due to their awful financial situation. And that has forced Roberto to look elsewhere. It is suggested that he has received an offer from a mystery Premier League club and a move could be ‘finalised’ over the coming days.

As of yet, it has not been revealed which club is swooping for Roberto.

Arsenal are a long-term admirer of the 32-year-old, while rivals Manchester United have also been linked in the past. The Red Devils even went as far as submitting a £36million for his signature back in 2017 but were unable to strike a deal with Barcelona.

Regardless of Roberto’s next employers, any move is a huge U-turn on his future. Former Barcelona boss Xavi urged the club to offer him a new deal before his own exit.

Speaking in January, he said: "I would recommend to the club that they renew Sergi Roberto. They already know it. He is important, he can play in many positions.

"You have to explain very little to him. He knows what Barca is, what it represents. A highly criticised footballer, but he always plays at a high level. I'm delighted with him."

Xavi has since been replaced by German tactician Hansi Flick, who now looks to be without Roberto’s services next season. He will leave the club having made 373 appearances for Barcelona after progressing through the club’s youth system.

He has scored 19 goals in that time - the most memorable being the strike that secured their famous Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. Should Man United move for him, Roberto is not the only free agent that the Red Devils are attempting to sign this summer.

They have also been linked with French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who has reportedly decided to leave Juventus at the end of his contract. Fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte also remains a target.

Man United have already sealed two signings in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first summer in charge. They signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna ahead of striking a deal for Lille youngster Leny Yoro.