Chelsea boss Antonio Conte ‘willing to pay Sergi Roberto’s £35.75m release clause’
After missing out on Danilo, the Blues boss continues his pursuit to bolster his side ahead of the upcoming campaign
CHELSEA are reportedly willing to pay Sergi Roberto’s release clause of £37.5m in a bid to bring the 25-year-old to the Bridge.
Following Danilo’s transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester City, Antonio Conte is still eager to bring in defensive reinforcements.
The 2016/17 Premier League champions are willing to fork out the full release clause for the versatile Spaniard – according to Catalan newspaper .
If Chelsea put down this offer officially then Barcelona will have very little power in deciding the 25-year-old’s future.
Roberto has established himself as a key player within the Barcelona first team squad over the past few years.
Antonio Conte only used a small core of players last term, but this year they will be playing in the Champions League.
The Chelsea preferred XI of last season started at least 26 league games each and eight of them began 30 games or more.
Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses covered the wing-back positions comfortably last season, but the boss needs more options.
However, Roberto recently claimed his preference to play in the midfield.
The 25-year-old said:”I would really like to play in midfield, it’s where I feel most comfortable, but I want to continue having the most opportunities to play,” reported Spanish publication .
He famously scored the winning goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the historic 6-5 Champions League comeback.
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