Manchester United have reportedly emerged as surprise candidates to lure Hector Bellerin from the Emirates at the end of the current campaign.
The Spain international has had another average season by his standards at Arsenal, and it is rumoured that the club could sanction his exit during the summer.
According to The Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have made initial contact with the player’s representative, and they have requested to be up-to-date with the player’s developments during the summer.
Juventus have been long-linked with the Spaniard, but M.E.N suggests that Jose Mourinho’s side could make a surprise approach with the right-back position in need of sufficient strengthening heading into the 2018/19 season and beyond.
Antonio Valencia is approaching the twilight of his professional career with the Red Devils, and the Mancunian giants are seemingly looking for a replacement from outside despite possessing the likes of Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe in the club’s ranks.
Despite the speculation, it would come as a huge surprise, if the Gunners are to even consider a move from their arch-rivals.
A £50m fee has been noted as the benchmark for Bellerin’s proposed sale during the summer, but even then, the club’s hierarchy are likely to restrict any offers from United.
The Gunners board had little choice to part ways with Alexis Sanchez, who would have mostly left on a free during the summer.
However, Bellerin has more than five years left on his existing deal, which places the club in a strong position to snub offers not in their preference.
