Hector Bellerin started life as a professional footballer at Barcelona's renown La Masia, but it was at Arsenal that the right-back rose through the ranks and became an international star. In the season of 2014/2015, the young Spaniard was given a chance to prove himself in the first team, after Mathieu Debuchy suffered a long-term injury. Bellerin hasn't looked back since: The speedy right-back has established himself as an integral part of Arsene Wenger's team and is a regular starter for the Gunners. At just 22 years old, Bellerin has all the attributes and requirements to become one of the world's best right-backs.
For many, it was only a matter of time until the Spanish international would garner the attention of the Catalan football giants, FC Barcelona, who have been constantly linked with Bellerin in recent times. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have now responded by naming an asking price for their talented right-back.
Arsenal will demand £42 million for Bellerin
Mundo Deportivo claims that Bellerin could leave the Gunners for £42 million in the summer. According to the Spanish newspaper, the full-back is also wanted by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Needless to say, Arsenal will prefer to sell their player abroad to avoid strengthening a Premier League rival.
Barcelona director, Robert Fernandez, has recently confirmed that the club would be open to bringing back Bellerin but also implied that they'd be looking at other options in the transfer market. Speaking to Cadena SER, Fernandez said: "It is a position that we are evaluating. There are many options and we will decide what we think is the best.
If the market helps us, we will always try to improve, why not?"
Mundo Deportivo, however, claims that Bellerin is Barcelona's preferred transfer target for the right-back position. With a hefty price tag of £42 million, it remains to be seen whether the Catalan giants will be willing to break the bank in the summer.
Bellerin more likely to leave if Wenger quits the Gunners
Bellerin has emphasized his loyalty and gratitude towards Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger at various occasions. It has now been reported that the likelihood of Bellerin's potential transfer to Barcelona would be significantly boosted if Wenger quits the Gunners at the end of the season. The Arsenal boss's current contract expires in May, and the long-serving manager has been under immense pressure from a growing portion of disgruntled Arsenal supporters after his team's recent slump in form. Bellerin himself has recently stated in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that his "loyalty to [Wenger] is worth more than money." Still, the Spaniard admitted that he was "flattered by the interest of Barca."
Arsenal fans will remember a similar situation involving former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who opted to return to his home club Barcelona in 2011. Gooners will be hoping that history doesn't repeat itself this time around.
