Bayern Munich have opened talks with Barcelona over a potential loan deal for Sergi Roberto, according to Goal, following claims Manchester City were offered the Spaniard.
Julian Nagelsmann is keen for the Bavarian powerhouse to strengthen his right-back options ahead of his first season in charge. Benjamin Pavard and Bouna Sarr were felt to have had underwhelming campaigns last term as Der FCB sealed another Bundesliga title.
Bayern also do not consider young up-and-comers Josip Stanisic and Chris Richards to be ready to challenge for a consistent first-team role. Instead, they will look to the loan market, having ruled out making any more permanent signings this summer.
Nagelsmann targeting Roberto could see Bayern go toe-to-toe with Manchester City for the Barcelona defender. Sport noted last month that Pep Guardiola’s side were the best-placed outfit to sign the versatile £176,000-per-week full-back.
But the pandemic has impacted Bayern financially and they spent much of their budget on RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano. Now, they have approached Barcelona and Roberto’s agent, via an intermediary, to sound out his availability for a loan transfer.
Barcelona have a good relationship with Bayern after Phillipe Coutinho spent the 2019/20 season in Bavaria. However, the La Liga outfit have no interest in loaning Roberto at present as his contract expires next year.
Barcelona have also repeatedly contacted Manchester City to discuss selling Roberto to Guardiola’s side, per Mundo Deportivo. While Marca report the Catalan outfit want €25m (£21.5m), otherwise will extend the right-back’s contract to protect his value.
Manchester City can still sign Roberto despite Bayern approaching Barcelona
Manchester City can still sign Roberto this summer, despite Bayern Munich approaching Barcelona and his agent over a loan transfer. That’s because the German giants, who have won the last nine Bundesliga titles, would likely have to pay for a permanent deal.
But Nagelsmann and his new side only want a temporary move. Which is not what Barcelona will allow, without the deal carrying an obligation to buy. Otherwise, the La Liga giants would be accepting Roberto leaving for free, and would prefer to receive a fee.
Manchester City can afford to pay Barcelona what they want for Roberto, too. And in doing so, add depth at full-back and in central midfield for Guardiola.
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