OFFICIAL: Barcelona director confirms interest in signing Arsenal superstar

What’s the story?

Barcelona have long been interested in signing Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin and now latest reports from Diario Gol claim that the Catalan club chiefs have arrived in London to tie up a deal for the pacy Spaniard right-back. Just a few days back, Robert Fernandez himself, the technical director of Barcelona had confirmed his interest in signing Bellerin. Speaking to local radio station RAC1, Fernandez said:

“We can do something there [at right-back], it’s true. Signing [one] could be important. Bellerin is a player who has a contract at Arsenal. He is a magnificent player, undoubtedly,”

Fernandez also confirmed that Barcelona could most likely use the buy back option for AC Milan starlet Gerard Deulofeu. Speaking about the talented 23-year-old, Fernandez said:

“We have the option to incorporate him by activating the clause. We can do it, we will think about it. He is playing well and as a starter. I like him. He’s a young player who came from our academy. He has good conditions to help the team.”

In case you didn’t know...

The Spaniard has long been linked with a move to Barcelona

Both Bellerin and Deulofeu spent time at the famous La Masia academy of Barcelona. The right-back moved to Arsenal in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of Arsenal’s most dependable players.

Also, Barcelona have struggled in the right-back position ever since the departure of Dani Alves and with Bellerin now finding himself out of favour in Arsene Wenger's new system of 3 at the back, the Spaniard might well be tempted to make a move back to his home country.

The heart of the matter

Although Barcelona might have won the recent El Clasico, the season has not gone according to plan for the Catalan giants. Luis Enrique’s men have struggled to hit the form of their previous seasons and there are expected to be plenty of changes in the Barcelona squad for next season.

Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez is determined to tie up deals for as quickly as possible and the Catalans might just welcome back both Bellerin and Deulofeu in the summer transfer window.

What’s next?

Although it promises to be a summer of great change for Arsenal and Barcelona, both the teams at the moment will be focussed on ending the season in the best manner possible. Deulofeu, on the other hand, will be looking to impress with his performances at AC Milan and seal a move back to his childhood club.

Author’s take

Barcelona have struggled in the right-back position since the departure of Dani Alves. Hector Bellerin might not have had the best of seasons at Arsenal, but there is no denying his obvious quality. The Catalan giants should definitely do everything in their power to sign the pacy Spaniard.

Deulofeu, on the other hand, while a talented player does not look good enough to cut it in the Barcelona first team and Fernandez will do well to focus on other targets for the pivotal attacking midfielder role.