Juventus keeping tabs on Spain international

Serie A champions Juventus are reportedly keeping a close watch on Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin with a view to a future approach for his services. The Spain international had been linked with a move to Barcelona over the past two seasons, but his reluctance to leave the Emirates urged them to pursue Nelson Semedo from Benfica instead in the summer.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, interest in Bellerin has not quite diminished with Juventus, having emerged as the latest club to be monitoring his services. The right wing-back has suffered a dip in form over the past 18 months but he is nevertheless on the radar of the Old Lady, who are in constant contact with his representative.

Max Allegri’s side lost a valuable player in Dani Alves to Paris Saint-Germain on a free in the summer, and they are now said to be eyeing further reinforcements despite pursuing Mattia De Sciglio from AC Milan.

Bellerin currently has more than four years left on his present deal at Arsenal, and the club will be relatively confident of warding off any transfer interest as the Spaniard is assured of a regular spot in the starting lineup.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to be the prime rival to Bellerin’s position during the backend of the previous campaign, but the Englishman’s departure has offered the former La Masia graduate with the luxury of owning the right wing-back position without any competition.

Despite his patchy form, Bellerin has shown glimpses of his old self for the Gunners this campaign, and manager Arsene Wenger will hope that the Spaniard can put in a consistent run of top-notch performances to enhance his side’s chances of making the top-four, which should be the realistic target this term.

Arsenal are presently 12 points behind table-toppers Manchester City, who secured a rather controversial 3-1 win over Arsene Wenger’s side prior to the international break.

Image – Getty