Bellerin’s sights set on Barca
GUNNER TO GO HOME
HECTOR BELLERIN has plunged his Arsenal future into doubt by opening the door to a £40m move to Barcelona.
And the Spanish giants believe the Gunners will sell if they throw in Arda Turan, Rafinha or Denis Suarez as part of the deal.
Arsenal, who confirmed the signing of leftback Sead Kolasinac (below) yesterday, do not want to lose the Spain star.
But Bellerin admits he is flattered by Barca’s interest and wants to play in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old right-back’s family have recently returned to Barcelona, where he began his career.
Bellerin said: “It’s a great thing to know about the interest of a club like Barca, the club where I grew up.
“I don’t know anything at the moment. I’m an Arsenal player and we’ll see what happens.
“It’s always been very good in London, my family settled there with me, although now, for family reasons, they have had to return to Barcelona.
“I have a tougher time now because I’m a family person, I depend on them a lot, and it’ll be a new challenge to be without them.
“As a player, the club haven’t told me anything, there’s still not been any contact. A lot can happen this summer.”
Bellerin signed a new contract until 2023 last November and it could take a bid of £40m or more to force the club’s hand.
But it is understood ® Barcelona held talks with his agent last week and new boss Ernesto Valverde is determined to push through the transfer. Barca also believe they can bring down the price by offering a player as a potential makeweight. Bellerin was dropped by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger towards the end of the season after he switched to a 3-4-3 formation, before winning his place back. He started the FA Cup Final win over Chelsea, but will not be playing Champions League football if he stays at the club. Barcelona-born Bellerin said: “There was a change of system. With this new system, he preferred to play with a different type of player. “As a footballer, you have to take it and work hard in order to change opinion. It’s been tough, but you learn a lot from these experiences. “We were able to win the FA Cup, an important trophy, and we finished the season well.” Arsenal signed Kolasinac on a free from Schalke, despite interest from Everton, and will now see if there are any takers for Kieran Gibbs. Bosnian star Kolasinac, 23, has signed a five-year deal worth around £7.5m a season.