Barcelona representatives are due to hold a meeting with Arsenal next month to discuss the possibility of signing former graduate Hector Bellerin, Spanish outlet Sport, via Sport Witness claims.
The 21-year-old has firmly established himself as the first-choice right-back at the Emirates in recent seasons, and his decision to pen a fresh six-and-a-half year deal earlier in the year appeared to fend off interest from his former club.
However, Sport reckon that the La Liga holders are still in the running to land the Spain international with technical director Roberto Fernandez having watched the youngster in action during the Gunners’ 5-1 Champions League demolition to Bayern Munich earlier in the month.
Previously, the Catalan publication had claimed that the Spaniard could be available in the €35m range, but the new extension is likely to see his price upped to around €40m despite not being in the best of form this season.
While the Gunners’ faithful will argue that the club should command a higher sum for their prized asset, Barca are determined to seal the deal for their former La Masia student.
Bellerin joined the Gunners academy from La Masia back in the summer of 2011 and has since been groomed from a right-winger to a player with immense potential on the right side of the defence.
Though his defensive side of play needs a bit of working, Barcelona would nevertheless be impressed by his attacking instincts – something which is nearly mandatory for any full-back at Camp Nou.
Sergi Roberto has been deployed as the right-back on most occasions this campaign, but even his goalscoring heroics in the comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain may not be sufficient to cement his place as the first-choice next term.
The Barcelona board have planned to hold negotiations with Arsenal after Easter as they seek to push through a move for Bellerin in the summer.
“In principle, the appointment with Richard Low, director of operations of Arsenal, is scheduled for the end of April.” Sport said.
*Richard Low is assumed to be no other than Dick Law
