Barcelona prepare to launch £40m move for Hector Bellerin as Arsenal defender is made Catalans' No.1 targetThe Gunners will have to show significant resolve to keep the Spanish international
Barcelona have made Hector Bellerin their No1 summer target as they prepare to launch a £40million move.
The Spanish giants believe they may be able to lure 22-year-old Bellerin back to the Nou Camp where he started his career in the academy before moving to Arsenal.
Arsenal are likely to resist Barcelona’s attempts this summer even though they are aware of Barcelona’s interest and are confident of keeping him. Bellerin signed a six year contract worth around £100,000-a-week earlier last season but that will not deter Barcelona from trying to make it a transfer saga this summer.
Barcelona used similar tactics to get Cesc Fabregas in 2011 and Arsenal will be concerned about the Spanish club’s reputation for being able to turn player’s heads.
It is believed that Barcelona have already sounded out Bellerin’s representatives to try and broker a deal.
They may be prepared to offer Arda Turan and Denis Suarez in a player-plus-cash move but Barcelona will push hard. Bellerin had a difficult season at the Emirates as he finished strongly but became a target for the club’s own fans after Arsenal’s defeat at Crystal Palace two months ago.
Spain international Bellerin started at the Nou Camp before leaving for Arsenal as a teenager and has made rapid progression at the Emirates under Arsene Wenger.
Manchester City were keen last year but Bellerin snubbed their interest to stay but if Barcelona go full out for him this year then Arsenal face a battle.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is determined to keep Bellerin amid uncertainty over other big names.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have one year left on their deals and Arsenal have offered £280,000-a-week to the German international.
Ozil could be prepared to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next year while Bayern Munich are chasing Sanchez who has been offered £275,000-a-week to stay.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-barcelona-hector-bellerin-transfer-10580721
