Arsenal have reportedly been offered a deadline to decide on whether to sell Hector Bellerin to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old is currently with Spain at the Under-21 European Championships.
Bellerin has transformed into one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, and this has captured the attention of Barcelona, who are eager to finalise a deal for their former graduate.
New Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has found the right side of the defence in need of sufficient strengthening, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the club will offer the Gunners a deadline in order to make a decision on Bellerin.
Arsenal have so far been adamant that Bellerin is not for sale, and Barcelona are likely to shift their attention elsewhere, should they receive no reply in the next 10 days.
Bellerin who is rated at £48m, did not have the best of seasons in the Gunners shirt last term, but he managed to gain some momentum during the backend of the campaign where he played at right wing-back in a new 3-4-2-1 formation.
The former La Masia student currently has six long years left on his Gunners contract, and this puts the north London in a strong position to decline offers from potential suitors.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is understood to have urged Barca to pursue the services of Bellerin in the upcoming transfer window, but the La Liga club look likely to admit defeat in the coming weeks.
Arsenal do not have a specialist right-back with experience in their ranks other than Bellerin, and his departure is the last thing that will be on their mind prior to pre-season training.
