Manchester United have reportedly submitted an enquiry to Arsenal for Spanish superstar Hector Bellerin, who is being tipped to join Juventus in the summer.
According to The Mirror, we could see a fresh Manchester United assault on Arsenal, this time for one of their defenders. Hector Bellerin has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer, with Juventus the favourites to land the Spaniard. But, Manchester United have now entered the race, submitting an enquiry to Arsenal for the right-back.
Hector Bellerin took no time in becoming one of the best right-backs in world football after breaking through at Arsenal. But, the last season served as a minor blip in his career, with the player often finding himself on the bench, especially when Arsene Wenger opted to field a back-three.
The Spaniard though, has returned to his old form that saw him become Barcelona’s number 1 priority. But, Barcelona have since signed Nelson Semedo and despite Bellerin still favouring a return to his boyhood club, the Catalans seem uninterested in the prospect. In their stead, Juventus have been tipped to make a move for Bellerin in the summer.
But, Manchester United’s entry could play spoilsport. The Red Devils’ need for a new right-back has been evident for the past couple of years. Antonio Valencia has been more than a rock at the said position evolving into a world-class right-back. But, the Ecuadorian is already 32 and needs to be slowly phased out of the starting eleven.
Matteo Darmian has failed to establish himself under Jose Mourinho and is being tipped to join Juventus in the summer, which could also see the Italian giants drop their interest in Hector Bellerin, if they get Darmian.
As for Bellerin and Manchester United, the Red Devils are unlikely to be able to find a better player to take over from Valencia. First of all, the Spaniard is one of the most experienced right-backs in the Premier League, having already played consistently at the top level for a considerable period now.
There are stark similarities between Valencia and Bellerin – both love to venture forward and while the Spaniard has been found to be a bit susceptible at the back, under Jose Mourinho, he could work on his defensive aspect.
At 23, Bellerin will firm up the right flank of United for a good duration and will serve as a long-term addition to the club. The right-back will also have other compatriots to help him settle in well at the club.
One sticking point might just be Arsenal’s inadvertence to dealing with Manchester United. The Gunners have already dealt with the Red Devils and sent two of their mega stars to their rivals. And Bellerin would once again strengthen the Red Devils.
Also, the 23-year-old is contracted to Arsenal till 2023, which means the Gunners could ask for an astronomical fee to put off Manchester United. But, if Bellerin does become interested in the prospect of joining Manchester United, we could very well see another transfer between the two clubs.
A transfer that would bode well for Manchester United and for Bellerin as well, with the Spaniard able to compete at the highest level and feature in the UEFA Champions League, with United set to secure qualification in the premier competition for the next season while Arsenal look highly unlikely to do so.
A deal that hinges more on Bellerin, Darmian and their individual wishes rather than those of the club.
