Barcelona could sign Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin this summer if recent reports are to be believed.
The Gunners are keen to offload a number of fringe players before the transfer window shuts on September 1, with the likes of Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira and Pablo Mari already leaving the Emirates Stadium in recent times. Right-back Bellerin also appears to be on the chopping block after falling down the pecking order during Mikel Arteta 's tenure in the managerial dugout.
The Spanish international spent last season on loan with La Liga outfit Real Betis and he continues to be linked with a return to the Benito Villamarin Stadium. Now, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have reported that Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign the veteran fullback for free, although Betis remains the player's preferred destination.
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Bellerin still has over 10 months remaining on his current contract in north London, although technical director Edu has allowed some squad players to leave for free transfers in recent years in a bid to clear up the club's wage bill. Speaking about offloading players to football.london last month, Edu said : "If you imagine, 'Oh, no problem: this season we’re going to expose the player a little bit more and then we sell them' - no, be realistic.
"You don’t want to sell the player. Try to avoid one more year with the problem inside, in the dressing room, expensive, not performing. Clean, take it out. Even, I’m sorry, if you have to pay. To leave is better. Because that guy is sometimes also blocking someone."
The Brazilian added: "I know it hurts, I know it’s strange when I go to the board and say, 'Sometimes it’s better to pay a player to leave, than maintain them' But I consider it an investment. Sometimes people say, 'It’s expensive'. I say, 'No, it’s investment'. But someone will pay if you sell? No, guys - if the player is above 26, 27 and not performing, big salary, no chance."
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