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Barcelona 'monitoring Hector Bellerin situation'

Barcelona 'monitoring Hector Bellerin situation'
© Reuters
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring developments surrounding Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin as Real Betis struggle to agree a fee with the Gunners.

Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on Hector Bellerin's uncertain situation at Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has now entered the final 12 months of his existing contract in North London and was left out of the squad to face Crystal Palace last Friday.

Bellerin has fallen behind Cedric Soares and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the Emirates pecking order, and the Gunners are expected to sanction his exit in the coming weeks.

Bellerin helped Real Betis win the Copa del Rey during a productive loan spell last season, setting up five goals in 32 games for Los Verdiblancos in all competitions.

A return to Manuel Pellegrini's side is thought to be the right-back's preferred destination, but Betis are struggling to come up with a financial package that will satisfy Arsenal.

Hector Bellerin in action for Real Betis in February 2022© Reuters

As a result, Arsenal could supposedly relent and terminate Bellerin's contract to allow him to return to Betis for free, with the player's agent currently in discussions with the club over such an eventuality.

However, nothing has been agreed between the two parties yet, and as a result, reports in Spain claim that Barcelona are ready to swoop in for the former La Masia starlet.

Bellerin left Barcelona in 2011 to sign for Arsenal, and La Blaugrana could be in the market for a new right-back after failing to prise Cesar Azpilicueta away from Chelsea.

The Catalans' financial problems are well-documented, but Betis are also yet to register several players with La Liga ahead of the opening weekend due to their own economic struggles.

The report adds that Betis tried to offer Willian Jose to Arsenal in exchange for Bellerin to avoid paying a transfer fee, but the Gunners swiftly rejected that proposal.

Hector Bellerin warms up for Arsenal on March 6, 2021© Reuters

The Spain international is expected to leave Arsenal having totalled nine goals and 29 assists in 239 senior games for the club, winning three FA Cups and three Community Shields in the process.

Barcelona boss Xavi is supposedly willing to welcome a new right-back to the club in the summer window, with Sergino Dest's future up in the air and Sergi Roberto's contract extension yet to be registered either.

However, Bellerin's entourage have supposedly been informed that Barcelona have other priorities in the transfer market as they seek to wrap up a deal for Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva continues to be linked with a move to Catalonia, but the Citizens' £65m asking price could scupper a move for the Portugal international.

On Friday, Barcelona activated the fourth economic lever by selling 24.5% of Barca Studios to Orpheus Media for €100m (£84.7m) as they seek to register new signings Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.

Should the club fail to register the quintet before Saturday's La Liga opener with Rayo Vallecano, there are fears that Kessie and Christensen could leave without playing a single competitive game for the Blaugrana.

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United States international Sergino Dest pictured in June 2021
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