Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin will try to push through a move to Barcelona during this summer’s transfer window, Spanish outlet Marca claims. The 22-year-old is due to link up with the Gunners on pre-season following his exploits with Spain at the European Under-21 Championships where they finished runners-up to Germany.
As per Marca, Bellerin is due to meet with Gunners’ representative next week where he will express his desire to return to his former club. The Spain international has been on Barcelona’s radar since the turn of the year, but the north London club have refused to place a valuation on the right-sided defender.
Arsenal have Bellerin as the only recognisable right wing-back in their ranks, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can occupy the position, and the club could consider his sale, should he demand a potential exit during the transfer window.
Nevertheless, his loyalty towards Arsene Wenger could urge him to stay put at the Emirates with the Frenchman having taken the risk to pick Bellerin in his starting lineup early in his career.
After earning a place in the 2015/16 PFA Team of the Year, Bellerin struggled to replicate a similar showing last term with an ankle injury in November denting his confidence during the course of the campaign.
He found himself behind Oxlade-Chamberlain at one stage for the right wing-back spot, but an injury to the Englishman helped him retain his place in the final weeks of the season, where he really expressed himself on the playing field.
Bellerin has won two FA Cup titles since making his debut three years ago, and he remains a key part of the Gunners plans as they seek to end their Premier League drought with heavy investment this summer.
