Barcelona have stepped up their interest in the pursuit of Hector Bellerin as new coach Ernesto Valverde has sanctioned the move for the Spanish right back. The Catalans have long been linked with the defender and it seems his time at the Emirates Stadium has come to and end. The Spanish giants are ready to table a bid of £45m for the full-back this summer.
The Blaugrana’s failure to win any major silverware might pave the way to some rapid changes to the side. Luis Enrique decided to leave the club after leading them to a trophy-laden last season. Bu this season, the Spaniard has failed to replicate his success and thus ended his association with the club.
Bellerin came through the ranks of Barcelona but failed to clinch a permanent spot in the senior side which led his move to the English club. After years with the Arsenal youth side, he managed to burst onto the scene and has been the preferred choice for Arsene Wenger from the start of the last season. He recently signed a long-term deal to remain with the club and the Gunners supporter will be hoping that he honours his contract.
The right back has been also in the cards of former manager Enrique although he has failed to lure the player to the Camp Nou. Valverde’s intentions are very clear and he is ready to offer Arda Turan as a part of the deal. Arsene Wenger reportedly has an interest in the player but he wouldn’t swap Turan with one of his prized asset of the club.
Since Dani Alves’s departure, a proper replacement for him has been the priority of the Spanish club. They did buy Aleix Vidal from Sevilla but the player turned out to be a disaster as Enrique often had deployed Sergi Roberto on the right side.
Bellerin has the acceleration and technique to thrive in any formation. Wenger lately has been using Bellerin as a right wing back and the player has blossomed in this position. Barcelona’s transfer policy has been criticised as apart from Ivan Rakitic in the recent years no other player have been able to produce that kind of form for what they were brought to the Nou Camp.
Arsenal supporters may have had their thoughts on Bellerin’s performance after this season but he is one of the best in his position and they should not even think about off-loading him. He is very much in Arsene Wenger’s plan and it remains to be seen how the Gunners deal with this current situation.
