Hector Bellerin is emerging as a target for Jose Mourinho’s Roma just a couple of months after the Barcelona benchwarmer left Premier League leaders Arsenal on a free transfer, according to Calciomercato.
When Jose Mourinho announced last week that he had been ‘betrayed’ by one member of his Roma squad, tongues were certainly set-a-wagging. And the finger of blame eventually settled on Rick Karsdorp; the Dutch right-back becoming an unfortunate fall guy for another disappointing domestic campaign for a Mourinho side.
“I’m surprised by Mourinho’s words. I want an explanation,” Karsdorp’s agent furiously told Gazzetta dello Sport. “We’re also surprised by the fact that everyone’s been pointing fingers at Rick, despite neither Mourinho or Roma uttered his name.
“We want an explanation from the club about the coach’s words, and the way he did it.”
Moiurinho might not have named Karsdorp directly, but the 27-year-old’s omission from the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Torino said more than words ever could. According to Calciomercato, Karsdorp is all-but certain to leave the Italian capital now, with Roma already eyeing up potential replacements.
Could Hector Bellerin leave Barcelona for Roma?
And Spain international Bellerin appears to be at the forefront of Roma’s thinking. The Giallorossi have reportedly lodged an enquiry with Barcelona. Although the prospect of a short-term loan feels distinctly unlikely, given that the Catalonia-born right-back is only under contract until the summer.
Bellerin has started just three Barcelona games since joining on a free transfer on deadline day; Arsenal agreeing to tear up the final 12 months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite a lack of natural-born right-sided defenders at the Camp Nou, Bellerin finds himself behind the versatile Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde in Xavi Hernandez’s pecking order.
Further injury problems, meanwhile, will not aid the 27-year-old’s hopes of earning a contract extension at the La Liga giants.
“For me, (returning to Barcelona) was very important,” Bellerin tells Radio Catalunya. “When you grow up in La Masia, it is your greatest dream. I had had opportunities in the past but, for one reason or another, I did not arrive.
“At the moment, I have a one-year contract. I would like to renew, but it depends on both parties.”
Calciomercato add that Roma see Spezia’s Emil Holm as a more long-term replacement for Karsdorp. The Sweden U21 international is one of Serie A’s breakthrough stars this season. Holm, who has one goal and two assists already, can also play on the left and in midfield.
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