Barcelona are "serious" about making a surprise move for Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin this summer, according to reports. The Spanish full-back has been out of favour in the past year, with a switch away from the club looking likely over the remainder of the transfer window.
It would put an end to an 11-year spell with the Gunners for the 27-year-old, who joined the club in the youth ranks from the Blaugrana. After a loan spell with Watford, Bellerin became a key outlet on the right flank, offering plenty of energy up and down the pitch.
In his time at the club, the right-back has managed to win three FA Cups and three Community Shields, outlining his importance to the squad when involved. However, under Mikel Arteta there was a clear need for change after a string of mistakes and the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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The Spaniard then took off for La Liga on loan last summer, joining Real Betis for the season. He became a fan favourite at the club, guiding them to a Copa del Rey victory on penalties as well as a planned fundraiser to bring him back to Andalusia.
That was a struggle though, with the Gunners demanding a transfer fee for the defender, who has one year left on his deal at the Emirates. The Verdiblancos appeared to have given up on the move, leaving plenty of uncertainty surrounding the future of Bellerin for the next year.
However, he may have been given some hope of an exit in the form of another La Liga side. According to Sport, Barcelona "seriously value" the idea of incorporating the defender into their transfer plans after missing out on Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta this summer.
Given their own financial and registration troubles, it remains to be seen if a deal can be thrashed out between the two sides. It may be a move that could give every party exactly what they want for the future.
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