Gianluca Dimarzio has recently reported that Barcelona have identified Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin as a target after they decided to sell Emerson Royal to Tottenham Hotspur for €30m. It has been stated that the Catalans are hoping to find a suitable replacement for Emerson and are eyeing the Arsenal speedster during this summer transfer window.
Bellerin’s Up And Down Season At The Emirates Stadium Last Season
Bellerin endured a tough campaign with the Gunners last season when he managed to put in a few good displays but struggled to find consistency for them down the right-wing. The Spaniard participated in 34 matches for Barca last season, netting one goal and providing four assists across all competitions.
The 26-year-old proved himself to be a reliable defender at the back as he averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and 0.8 key passes per game in Premier League football. He hardly gave away the ball when distributing it out from the right flank, based on his pass completion rate of 83.8% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Bellerin is currently playing at his peak, so this summer could be an ideal chance for him to switch clubs in search of more trophies in the coming seasons. Therefore, sealing a move back to Barcelona could appeal to the player as he could play a major role in Ronald Koeman’s first team in the future.
Should The Catalans Snap Bellerin Up This Summer?
Bellerin can use his pace and agility to make some driving runs with the ball and can also recover quickly to snuff out the danger inside his half when required. He is a decent tackler of the ball and has got the hunger to secure the ball back for his side.
The Spaniard missed a lot of key games for Arsenal last season, so he could be a risky option for Barca to consider this summer. However, there is no denying that Bellerin, on his day, can be a decent performer at right-back or as a right wing-back.
Koeman needs to find a suitable replacement for Emerson Royal, so Bellerin fits the bill perfectly as he will enhance the quality of Barca’s starting XI considerably over the next few years. At 26, the Badalona-born speedster’s best years could be ahead of him which makes him a decent signing for the Catalan outfit to pursue this summer.
Bellerin also knows what it takes to win trophies as he has won the FA Cup three times with Arsenal. Therefore, Koeman should consider snapping the Spanish right-back up before the end of this summer transfer window.
