Hector Bellerin performances have reportedly caught the eye of Manchester manager Pep Guardiola, according to Manchester Evening News.
The reports in Manchester Evening News, suggest that Guardiola is seeking to refurbish The Citizens defence, with Pablo Zabaleta’s future at the Etihad Stadium appearing to be in doubt after Bacary Sagna replaced him last term. The 21-year-old has been linked with City as a possible replacement.
It further states that the Spanish coach has ordered the scouts to monitor Bellerin closely during the Euros with Guardiola eyeing the 21-year-old as a possible replacement for Zabaleta.
The young Spaniard has emerged as one of the most exhilarating young full-backs in the continent with the North Londoners, bringing a brilliant presence on the right flank.
The Spanish international’s move to Man City would undeniably be a perfect purchase for Guardiola as one of his first signings at the Manchester club.
WhoScored.com shows just how effective he can be carrying the ball forward:
Héctor Bellerín: Completed more successful dribbles (63) than any other defender in the Premier League this season pic.twitter.com/RaJr8RhBI8
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 31, 2016
Bellerin has the class to do a similar job Dani Alves, who Guardiola managed at Barcelona. While he may not be as effective with the ball at his feet compared to Alves, the Spaniard can provide a penetrating threat in wider positions and has the blistering pace to trouble defenders.
As noted by Squawka Football, Bellerin loves getting on the ball, too:
No U21 player has completed more Premier League passes this season than Hector Bellerin (1,344).
Always involved. pic.twitter.com/OBSboPJz28
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 8, 2016
Guardiola may be taking a good look at the Spanish international from afar, but it’d take a mammoth offer for the North Londoners to consider selling. Not only are Manchester City are big rivals for the Premier League title, Bellerin is a young man with perspective to become the best in the world in his role.
Arsenal will be hoping to have Bellerin around for a long time yet, and as such, it’d be a big surprise to see him move anywhere this summer.
Despite the 21-year-old making only 44 appearances for the Gunners and chipped in only one goal but there were times when he has played some of the most thrilling football for the Gunners.
However, the Sky Blues new boss, Guardiola has not made a formal approach for Bellerin yet.
But the team’s current right-back, Pablo Zabaleta is out of contract and is unlikely to remain at the Etihad Stadium next summer, as per the report from the Manchester Evening News, the 31-year-old is ready to listen to offers from other clubs.
