Chelsea given boost in pursuit of Barcelona midfielder

Chelsea have been given encouragement of their interest in Sergio Roberto as the Barcelona midfielder is now re-considering his future at the club, reports Mundo Deportivo. 

Roberto has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer with Chelsea and Manchester United leading the way of English sides.

The 24-year-old is a devoted Barcelona fan but is now reportedly re-evaluating his future at the Camp Nou following Paulinho’s arrival.

Ernesto Valverde’s side announced the arrival of the 29-year-old from Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande in a deal €40m (£36.3m) on Monday and that will impact Roberto’s game time next season.

The Spaniard was already facing a season of limited first team opportunities following the arrival of Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo and Paulinho’s arrival has pushed him closer to an exit this summer.

Chelsea will be monitoring Roberto’s situation at Barcelona before the transfer window shuts with a view to triggering his reported €40m release clause.

Roberto started 26 matches in La Liga last season, which represented his best ever return in a Barcelona shirt. In fact, only Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez registered more league assists of Barcelona players than Roberto (6) last season.