Arsenal defender leaning towards Barcelona transfer

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is reportedly keen on a move to Barcelona during this summer’s transfer window. The Spain under 21 international had a mixed campaign last season as injuries restricted him from regaining his best form.

Irrespective of this, he has repeatedly shown his loyalty towards the Gunners with Arsene Wenger having played a key role in making him what he is today. Bellerin was recently plying his trade for the Spain Under 21s where he appeared to hint his desire to rejoin Barcelona, as per his teammate Denis Suarez.

“I have spoken with Bellerin,’ Suarez told Spanish radio show El club de la mitjanit, via Metro. ‘On the one hand he wants to come to Barca and on the other he feels tied to the Arsenal.”

Bellerin joined the Arsenal academy from La Masia in the summer of 2011, and he has since developed into one of the best right backs in the Premier League. Initially a right-sided winger, Arsene Wenger urged the youngster to improve on his defending by taking up a new position in the defence, which has helped to shape up his career.

Former Gunner Cesc Fabregas was lured with the promise of regular playing time at Barcelona in 2011, and the Catalan giants are planning to do similarly with Bellerin who could fill the void on the right side of the backline.

The Spanish outfit have struggled to find a proper specialist for the right back position since Dani Alves’ departure to Juventus last year, and this has brought Bellerin on their focus prior to the summer transfer window.

Nevertheless, the Catalan giants may have to cough up a sizeable sum for the former academy product with Arsenal reluctant to lose any of the key players between now and the start of next season. Bellerin has lifted two FA Cups with Arsenal since making his breakthrough under Wenger during the 2014/15 season.

Image – Getty