Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde insists Sergi Roberto remains an important member of his squad amid speculation linking the Spain international with a move to the Premier League.
Roberto is said to be weighing up his future at Camp Nou following Paulinho’s surprise arrival from Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
The Spainiard featured heavily for Barca last season but faces added competition this term and is considering his options with a number of clubs interested in securing a deal, according to reports in Spain.
Roberto, who has been at Barcelona for over ten years, has a £36million release clause written into his current contract and Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be considering moves to bring him to England.
But, speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Valverde has reiterated his desire to keep hold of the 25-year-old, who he described as an ‘important player’.
‘Of course, I am absolutely counting on him [this season]’, he said.
‘In some games he will be a major player and in some games no, but he remains an important player.’
Jose Mourinho has completed deals for Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof this summer but remains in the market for a fourth summer signing.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are desperately looking for reinforcements after an underwhelming window and last weekend’s shock defeat to Burnley.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Drinkwater, Virgil van Dijk and Danny Rose are all being strongly linked with the Premier League champions.
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