West Ham Set to Beat Arsenal in Race for Champions League Winner Sergi Roberto

West Ham United are shaping a strong squad under new manager Julen Lopetegui and are reportedly considering a move for former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, who is also a target for Arsenal.

The Hammers have already made significant signings this summer, bringing in Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, and Wes Foderingham, but their transfer activity is far from over.

West Ham is on the verge of finalizing a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug, who played a crucial role in helping the German club reach the Champions League final last season.

The club has agreed to pay around £27 million for the 31-year-old German international, further bolstering their attacking options.

In addition to Füllkrug, Lopetegui aims to add another midfielder before the transfer window closes. According to Football Insider, West Ham is keen on signing Sergi Roberto, who is currently a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired last month. Roberto made over 350 appearances for Barcelona, winning 20 major trophies, including two Champions League titles, making him an appealing target for the Hammers.

Arsenal, however, are also in the hunt for the former Barcelona star as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield options.

The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, but there is speculation about a potential double swoop that includes Roberto.

Lopetegui’s familiarity with Roberto from his brief tenure as Spain’s national team manager could give West Ham a competitive edge in this race.

With a significantly improved squad, the Hammers are eyeing a top-four finish this season. Nonetheless, the prospect of joining an Arsenal side that is also set to compete for silverware will be an attractive option for the midfielder.

Both clubs must act swiftly, as several La Liga teams and clubs from Saudi Arabia are also monitoring Roberto’s situation closely. It remains to be seen whether either Premier League side will make a formal contract offer in the coming days.