Arsenal: Huge Barcelona development moves Hector Bellerin closer to exit

Arsenal are seeing themselves linked with big-money moves in the coming summer transfer window. Sums upwards of £30m for certain players are being mooted, and the only way they’ll be able to accrue the funding they’re after is to sell key assets. This is where Hector Bellerin comes in.

Ten years ago Hector Bellerin came through the Emirates Stadium doors. Long-term injuries, criticism, lightening pace, environmental activism or a delightful London accent, whatever trait the Spaniard is best known for by supporters doesn’t detract from him being part of the furniture. No player assumes the mantle of ‘Mr. Arsenal’ as unintentionally as him.

Which is why the paper talk of a summer exit from the club has stirred up more debate than just whether he’s ‘good enough’ to play in this team anymore. Hugely likable and commendable for his off-field demeanour, class and accountability, the added sentiment makes his potential departure more than just professional.

But it is time for a fresh start for all parties.

Arsenal: Huge Barcelona development moves Hector Bellerin closer to summer transfer window exit

The level of his performances have gradually worsened after a solid start to the season, with the electric overlaps and effectiveness in transitions not the high standard he had set himself in years gone by.

Being on the edge of leaving in the previous summer, Mikel Arteta’s intervention convinced him of another 12 months in his adopted home. The campaign has been a collective disaster and raising the overall quality within the squad while moving others on is among the next step, hence the most valuable assets will have to make way.

With two years left to run on his contract at the end of the campaign, no time suits better for a change of scenery. Bellerin has undoubted quality that yearns for a fresh environment to flourish. Arsenal need money. It’s time.

Developments in his hometown leave one door ajar.

Barcelona President Wants to Sign Hector Bellerin

Barcelona have just held their presidential elections and Joan Laporta has won by a landslide. Being in the role between 2003 and 2010, he has vowed to bring back positivity upon his announcement.

One of his plans is to re-sign Bellerin.

As reported by the Mirror, Laporta has already held discussions with the 25-year-old’s representatives about sealing a deal for the summer, with Bellerin thought to be keen on a return to the club he left to join Arsenal in 2011.

Under contract until 2023, the Gunners find themselves in an unusually strong position of negotiation, with the rumoured asking price set in the region of £35m. In the event of any sale there would have to be another right-back brought, with Arsenal already sounding out their targets.

However, while on paper there is basis to Bellerin moving back Camp Nou, behind the scenes there are major question marks over Barça’s financial clout. Not even question marks actually. Legitimate concerns.

One of the worst run clubs of modern times, Laporta comes in with an escalating £420m worth of debt and a stadium in drastic need of renovation, while the Lionel Messi situation remains a fraught with uncertainty as ever.

It would come as no surprise to see La Blaugrana try their hand at a swap deal, as they have done many times before to navigate their way past being plunged into any further debt.

Arsenal Interest in Barcelona defender Junior Firpo

A fine winter window passed by for Arsenal with next to no complaints on what they managed to achieve. The only blotch on a month that saw Mat Ryan and Martin Odegaard brought in on loan while numerous unwanted stars left was the lack of cover for Kieran Tierney.

Arsenal have been exposed in this position with the Scot being injured, and despite Cedric Soares filling in in his absence, the urgency for a recognised left-back remains in tact for the summer.

As per reports from RAC1 in Spain, Edu pushed through on deadline day to sign Barcelona’s Junior Firpo, who has fallen out of favour under Ronald Koeman this season.

Starting just two La Liga matches in 2020/21, the Spaniard is someone whose case Arsenal could return for in the summer. As such, Barcelona may seek to sweeten the outlay for Bellerin with his fellow countryman.

Which would be utterly foolish.

Arsenal need a left-back, yes, but they don’t need an out-of-favour one when their homegrown quota needs to be met. They also have Bellerin as one of precious few valuable members of their squad and with money tight need to squeeze every last penny they can out of whatever deal they make, whether that’s with Barça or not.

Firpo is on a long contract and cost £17m in 2019, and coupled with Koeman’s side’s desperation, could be used as a bargaining tool Arsenal don’t need. If said offer comes in, it’s a flat no.