KEY POINTS

  • Barca want to sign Arsenal's Hector Bellerin this summer
  • PSG have also contacted Arsenal over Bellerin's transfer
  • Bellerin began his soccer career at Barca's La Masia academy

FC Barcelona have reportedly approached Arsenal over right-back Hector Bellerin’s transfer during the ongoing summer transfer window.

Bellerin joined Barcelona’s academy La Masia in 2003 and remained with their youth system until 2011 before moving to Arsenal. Two years later, the Spanish defender made his senior debut with the Emirates side during the 2013-14 season.

The Gunners are planning to end their nine-year association with Bellerin as the club is looking to clear funds for making big-money summer signings such as Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar. The Premier League side has had a great run at the ongoing transfer market as it has signed Willian for free from Chelsea and Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes for $35 million. However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign a midfielder next, either Partey or Aouar.

Spanish publication SPORT has claimed Barcelona have inquired about a $29 million move for Bellerin from Emirates to Nou Camp, but the La Liga giants have not made an official offer yet. Before doing so, Barcelona have to sell players and Nelson Semedo is understood to be on the top of their transfer list this summer. The Portuguese defender, who joined Barcelona in 2017, has failed to impress and his representatives have agreed to explore options in the Premier League for the 26-year-old.

Initially, Barcelona wanted to sign Manchester City’s Eric Garcia in a swap deal that would see Semedo move to the Premier League side. However, with the way Lionel Messi’s transfer saga ended, where the Argentinian was tipped to join the Etihad side, Barcelona are aware Garcia’s signing looks unlikely now, leaving them with a task of finding Semedo another Premier League club.

If Barcelona club president Josep Maria Bartomeu had not blocked him, Lionel Messi looked certain to leave the club
If Barcelona club president Josep Maria Bartomeu had not blocked him, Lionel Messi looked certain to leave the club AFP / Manu Fernandez

Meanwhile, sports website talkSport has reported Arsenal are also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) regarding Bellerin’s move to France this summer. The report has revealed the two clubs have been in constant contact over a $32 million deal, plus $6 million add-ons.

The Premier League 2020-21 is set to kickstart Saturday with Arsenal playing the opening fixture, which is an away match against Fulham.

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