Arsenal outcast Hector Bellerin is reportedly open to taking a pay cut in order to secure a return to boyhood club Barcelona this summer.
According to MARCA, Barcelona have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin as the Spaniard is willing to take a pay cut to move to Camp Nou.
Bellerin spent the early parts of his youth career at Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy before joining Arsenal in 2011. The right-back soon became the Gunners’ first-choice right-back and was a permanent fixture in the side until a serious knee injury in 2019 sidelined him. Following his recovery from the injury Bellerin has been unable to win back his spot and spent the last season on loan at Real Betis.
Bellerin enjoyed a solid spell back in Spain but has returned to Arsenal, where he finds himself out of favour. An exit seems pretty much certain, but his next destination remains unclear. Real Betis are interested in a permanent transfer but do not have the funds to push for a move. Clubs in Serie A have also shown an interest in the 27-year-old.
Barcelona, too, have emerged as a potential suitor for Bellerin as they desperately search for a new right-back. Having decided to release Dani Alves and put Sergino Dest up for sale, Barcelona need to sign a new player in the position before the transfer window closes in less than two weeks.
Villarreal defender Juan Foyth is Barcelona’s top target for the right-back slot, while they are also interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier. However, if their pursuit of the two players fails, the Catalans have identified Bellerin as the next best alternative.
The Arsenal defender would be the most feasible option for Barcelona as he is in the final year of his contract with Arsenal and could arrive on a free transfer, with the termination of his contract an option that is being considered.
Bellerin’s wages also would not be an issue for the Blaugrana as he earns only €4 million net wages per year. To further ease the burden on his boyhood club, it is claimed that the right-back would be willing to take a pay cut as well. Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has spoken with the 27-year-old’s agent over a transfer, and it remains to be seen if this move gains momentum in the last week of the window.
