La Liga giants Barcelona are keen on roping in the services of Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin in the January transfer window, according to reports in Catalonia.
The Spanish full-back had joined Arsenal from Barcelona’s youth set-up and has proved his mettle at the North London club and is now being considered as one of the best defenders in Premier League.
Amid huge interest from Barcelona and Manchester City, it is believed that Bellerin can stay put at Emirates and is in talks over a new and improved contract. However, the Spanish player would consider his future at Arsenal if Wenger decides to extend his contract with the club at the end of this season.
Wenger’s contract at Arsenal is set to expire at the end of this season and rumours suggest that the Frenchman might bring an end to his 20-year long journey with the Gunners at the end of this season. But it is believed that Bellerin would stay put only if Wenger extends his contract.
Wenger played a huge role in shaping Bellerin’s career when he arrived at Arsenal from Barcelona at the age of 16 in 2011 and the Gunners boss paved a platform for him to develop after including him in the first-team in 2014.
Reports confirm that Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has identified Bellerin as the right player to add more strength to the squad. Sources confirm that the reigning La Liga champions are set to begin transfer negotiations later this week.
Barcelona are now without their star right-back Dani Alves, who joined Serie A side Juventus this summer on a free transfer, and now it is believed that the Catalans are keen on roping in Bellerin as his replacement.
Wenger would not be willing to lose his star full-back but he knows that the ultimate decision is up to the player.
After Alves’ departure Luis Enrique used Sergi Roberto in the right-back position, but now he has identified Bellerin as the long-term replacement.
Manchester City has also been highly linked with Bellerin over the last few months. Guardiola is believed to be fond of the player, who was a part of the La Masia setup during Guardiola’s managerial stint at Barcelona.