Barcelona have reportedly opened talks with Arsenal over the potential transfer of Hector Bellerin in the summer transfer window.
Spanish publication Sport have reported that Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal superstar Hector Bellerin. The La Masia graduate is widely seen as the future of Barcelona at right-back, which has now seen the Catalans go on the offensive to sign the player in the summer.
Hector Bellerin arrived at Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona and has since grown into one of Europe’s most enterprising right-backs at the present moment. All of 21, the player has already amassed 101 senior appearances for Arsenal and has become a full-fledged Spanish international as well.
This season, he has 21 Premier League appearances, with 2 assists to his name. But, his displays have further solidified his reputation as one of the best in business as regards his position. And, as is the case with most Barcelona academy graduates, the Catalan club is keen to bring the player back to his former home.
Barcelona have been struggling to find a solid solution for the right-back position since the departure of Dani Alves. Sergi Roberto stepped up this season in a transitioned role but the Spaniard has shown his inexperience at the position a few times, which can cost Barcelona in games.
Aleix Vidal was signed to alleviate the troubles at the position but the player has failed to establish himself at Nou Camp and is one of the near-certain outgoings from the club in the summer. Barcelona have been linked with a number of right backs like Joao Cancelo but Bellerin stands out.
Arsenal have opened talks with Barcelona over the £35m transfer of Héctor Bellerín. (Source: SPORT) pic.twitter.com/Fun7OAGM36
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 14, 2017
The Spaniard not only fits the profile of the transfer targets Barcelona have gone for in the recent times but also presents a player who is already well versed with the setup within the club and is also one with the footballing philosophy at Barcelona.
Arsenal have a firm negative stance on the prospect of selling Hector Bellerin in the near future and the fact that the Spanaird signed a new long-term deal at Emirates only goes to add further weight to the Gunners’ negotiating power.
Hence, the Spanish club is now fully focused on convincing the player to agree to a move back to Barcelona, which once done, can pave the way for an agreement with Arsenal, who will reportedly want a fee around the €40 million mark in lieu of the Spaniard.
Indeed, Barcelona do have competition in their former player and manager Pep Guardiola, who wants Bellerin at Manchester City. But, the prospect of moving back to the boyhood club might just be enough to convince the Spanish international.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona can get their hands on Bellerin this summer. But, the Spaniard does seem to be heading towards an exit from Arsenal, and the Catalans could be the prime destination, be it this summer or sometime in the near future.
