Real Madrid are reportedly looking to steal a march on Barcelona to sign Hector Bellerin from Arsenal in the summer.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Real Madrid are interested in signing Hector Bellerin and are willing to offer one of their own players in exchange for the Spaniard. Arch-rivals Barcelona are also in the chase for the Arsenal right-back.
Bellerin moved to Arsenal from Barcelona as a 16-year-old and has since grown remarkably to establish himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe. He has already notched up more than 100 appearances for the senior side, and has been consistently rated among the best right-backs in the Premier League.
However, much like Arsenal’s capitulation this season, Bellerin has endured an underwhelming campaign. He has not only been susceptible at the back, but his numbers in the final third have dried up as well, having provided just three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
To make matters worse, Bellerin’s poor performances this season have also resulted in him falling out of favour with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger of late. And he is starting to be linked with a host of top clubs across Europe, much to the dismay of the Arsenal fan base.
Among these, Barcelona are believed to be the front-runners in the race to sign Bellerin, as they look to bring the La Masia graduate back to Camp Nou. The Catalan club are in serious need to add a right-back, as they have failed to replace Dani Alves this season.
Sergi Roberto has impressed while playing as a makeshift right-back this season, but it is believed that he will slot back into the midfield in 2017/18. The other option at Barcelona, Aleix Vidal has failed to make much of an impression since making a belated debut for the club and is unlikely to be the solution at the right side of the defence.
As a result, Bellerin has emerged as a top target for Barcelona, as a player who can be a long-term solution at right-back. However, they now face competition in the form of their bitter rivals, Real Madrid.
Defence has been a major problem area for Real Madrid this season. On the right side of Los Blancos defence, Dani Carvajal has been a consistent performer for the last few seasons, and is regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe.
But his deputy, Danilo hasn’t been able to impress Zinedine Zidane, as a result of which the Real Madrid boss has turned his attention to Bellerin to truly bolster the right-back slot. As a sweetener in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, Real Madrid are willing to offer Danilo in exchange.
However, his form with the Spanish giants suggests that the Brazilian will, in no way, prove to be an upgrade on Bellerin, despite the Spaniard’s recent struggles. Thus, it is hard to see how Arsenal will agree to such a deal. It now remains to be seen if such a move indeed takes place or if Bellerin ends up staying at the Emirates.
