Mikel Arteta requests Arsenal to sign Sergi Roberto from Barcelona

Manchester City interested to sign Barcelona right back Sergi Roberto

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen on signing the versatile Barcelona player Sergi Roberto.

According to a report via Football London, the Arsenal manager has personally requested the club hierarchy to make a move for the Spanish international.

Arteta is a big admirer of the Barcelona player, and it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can pull off the move before the January transfer window closes.

Roberto has been a useful player for Barcelona over the years, and he can play in multiple positions across the pitch.

The Spaniard can operate as a right-back and the midfielder. His versatility will be an added bonus for Arsenal if they manage to secure his services.

The Gunners could definitely use more quality and depth in their squad, and signing someone like Roberto for a reasonable fee would be a smart bit of the business.

Roberto is not a key player for Barcelona, and a move to Arsenal would be an ideal challenge for the player at this stage of his career.

The chance to showcase his potential in the Premier League is likely to be an attractive proposition for the player. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can agree on a fee with Barcelona.

The Spanish giants are currently going through a financial crisis, and they could be tempted to sell someone like Roberto if a good offer comes in.

Apart from his versatility as a player, Roberto has the winning experience of playing at a club like Barcelona. He could prove to be an integral addition to the Arsenal dressing room on and off the pitch.

The Gunners have been linked with several players during the January transfer window. They are reportedly looking to improve their attacking options as well.

Arsenal will be desperate to finish in the top four this season and secure Champions League qualification next year. Bringing the necessary reinforcements in the January transfer window could define their season.