Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin is reportedly attracting interest from Barcelona as the Blaugrana could let Emerson Royal leave Camp Nou to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham’s initial bid for Emerson Royal was rejected by Barcelona, but a new £25 million bid could get the job done as the Blaugrana look to balance their books.
Should Barcelona agree to sell Royal, they will look for a replacement and could target Bellerin as per The Express.
Bellerin has had a tough few weeks as he has failed to get into the Arsenal lineup ahead of Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers.
Considering the Gunners have several right-backs at the club — including Ainsley Maitland-Niles – they might offload at least one should they receive a decent offer.
Should Arsenal let Hector Bellerin leave for Barcelona?
Bellerin could be part of the transfer domino started by Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham before deadline day. The Spaniard has fallen below the pecking order at Arsenal, and perhaps a move away from the club is not a bad option for both the Gunners and the player.
Having burst onto the scene as an attacking full-back who attacked up the right flank with pace and verve, Bellerin’s performances have dropped over the last few seasons.
Despite having all the qualities to succeed in Mikel Arteta’s system, the Spaniard has often flattered to deceive. His passing and crossing have been wayward more often than not, and his defending has been suspect as well.
It’s not a surprise that Calum Chambers, who is more assured defensively, has been preferred at right-back. The same can be said of Soares, although his weak performance against Manchester City will not do him any favours.
Bellerin’s current contract with Arsenal runs until 2023, so they will not look to sell him for cheap. In July, reports claimed that he will be sold for £15 million, which would be good business for Barcelona.
If Barcelona can sell Emerson Royal for £25 million and sign Bellerin for the aforementioned fee, they stand to make a profit. It wouldn’t be a bad deal for Arsenal either, as they will be able to offload an underperforming squad player for a decent fee.
Update: Barcelona have accepted Tottenham’s bid for Emerson Royal as per Fabrizio Romano.