According to ESPN FC, Chelsea are interested in signing versatile Barcelona star Sergi Roberto this summer, but they are yet to make an offer for the Spaniard.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Spanish journalist Jose Luis Carazo claimed on his official Twitter account on July 24 that the Blues are looking to sign Roberto and are willing to pay his €40m (approximately £37.5m release clause), but ESPN FC say that while the 25-year-old is among Antonio Conte’s targets, he is yet to submit a bid.

The defender, who can also play in midfield, spent the majority of last season playing at right-back for the La Liga giants, and he has caught the attentions of Conte who is looking to bring in competition for Victor Moses in the right wing-back role before the window slams shut at the end of next month.

ESPN FC add that Roberto’s future at the Camp Nou has been thrown into doubt following the arrival of Nelson Semedo from Benfica, with the Portuguese star likely to make the spot his own next term.

How did Sergi Roberto do last season?

Football Soccer - Barcelona v Paris St Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg - The Nou Camp, Barcelona, Spain - 8/3/17 Barcelona's Sergi Roberto celebrates scoring their sixth goal with Samuel Umtiti  Reuters / Albert Gea Livepic

As we mentioned before, the 25-year-old made 47 appearances in all competitions for Barca with 42 of those coming at right-back, rather than in his usual central or defensive midfield position.

But he certainly impressed there and scored one goal – the incredible last-gasp winning goal in the historic 6-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League at the Camp Nou – while he provided a further six assists.

He showed his ability to beat a man too by successfully completing 40 of the 55 take-ons he attempted in 32 La Liga outings.

Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?

He certainly would be.

You don't play regularly for Barcelona unless you have something about you and the fact that he could not only compete with Victor Moses for the right wing-back spot, but could also slot into central midfield if needed, mean that he is an attractive proposition for the Premier League holders as they look to strengthen their squad.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, there is no doubt that Chelsea need more depth in the wing-back spots and if they could bring the versatile Sergi Roberto to Stamford Bridge this summer, they would be delighted.

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