Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims that a deal to bring Arsenal’s Premier League misfit Hector Bellerin back to the Camp Nou has been ‘concluded’, in quotes reported by Foot Mercato.
One deadline day, two new full-backs for Xavi Hernandez.
Marcos Alonso is joining as part of the deal that will see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang move to Chelsea. And, according to Fabrizio Romano, Bellerin should join his fellow Spain international in Catalonia.
Arsenal will terminate the final 12 months of his contract. Thus, freeing up Bellerin to join Barcelona, albeit on a short-term deal running until June 2023. Of course, if the 27-year-old can replicate the form he showed on loan at Real Betis last term, winning the Copa del Rey and securing Europa League qualification, there is no reason why he cannot earn himself an extension at the Camp Nou.
Hector Bellerin set for Barcelona return after Arsenal
“The Marcos Alonso and Hector Bellerin deals are concluded,” explains Laporta, before indicating that Barcelona fans are in for ‘another surprise’ before the window closes.
Watch this space.
Bellerin, meanwhile, certainly has unfinished business at Barcelona. He rose through the ranks at their famous La Masia academy but never made a first-team appearance before joining Arsenal as a teenager.
Despite impressing in pre-season, Bellerin has not kicked a ball in anger for Mikel Arteta since the new Premier League season got underway. Ben White is making the right-back spot his own. And Takehiro Tomiyasu is building up match fitness again after a recent injury absence.
Arsenal still have the versatile Cedric Soares too.
“There are still a few players where we’re discussing their futures,” Arteta explained recently when discussing Bellerin. “And we will try to find the best solution for all parties.”
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