Barcelona are set to sign Hector Bellerin on a free transfer, with the Arsenal right-back set to sign a one-year deal at Camp Nou.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hector Bellerin is on the verge of joining Barcelona from Arsenal on a free transfer. The Gunners have not terminated his contract but allowed the right-back to join the Catalans for free, with a sell-on clause, with the player set to sign a one-year deal.
Barcelona are looking to finish the summer transfer window strongly by getting in some more players as the window edges towards closure. They have been focused today on getting the deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea done, with Marcos Alonso moving to Camp Nou.
Barcelona had also been in talks with Hector Bellerin’s representatives today to figure out a move for the right-back. The Catalans were only interested in a free transfer, which depended on the player and agent’s ability to find a solution with Arsenal.
Talks have been ongoing with Arsenal over a contract termination since the beginning of the month, but the Gunners were unwilling to oblige. With Real Betis bowing out of the race, Barcelona were the only real contenders for Bellerin, although the Catalan giants would not shell out a transfer fee.
Hector Bellerín to Barcelona, here we go! Been told it’s all agreed, one year contract with NO option for further season. Bellerín will sign until June 2023 in the next hours. ??? #FCB #DeadlineDay
Medical scheduled, contract will be terminated by mutual consent with Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/4ezoTWm2vH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
Hence, with the idea of finding a solution, Arsenal have agreed to allow Bellerin to join Barcelona on a free transfer. This is not a termination, meaning no money will change hands either, with Barcelona or with Bellerin for a contract termination.
Arsenal have inserted a sell-on clause in the contract, which could guarantee them a percentage if Barcelona decide to sell Bellerin in the future. They did not want to repeat the mistake committed with Aubameyang, who is on the verge of joining Chelsea in a £10 million deal.
Fabrizio Romano claims the contract is about to be terminated by Arsenal, while David Ornstein of The Athletic suggests he is allowed to leave on free without the cancellation.
Bellerin will sign a one-year deal with Barcelona with no option to extend it further. He is likely taking a massive pay cut to make the move happen. Medicals are being scheduled as he will land in Catalonia to complete formalities. The Arsenal defender will replace Sergino Dest, who is joining AC Milan on loan.
Allowing Bellerin to depart on a free transfer may attract criticism from Arsenal fans, but it may prove a financially sound decision. Had he remained at the north London club, the Gunners would have continued to pay his high wages and see him leave on a free transfer next summer.
