Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea and Manchester United, while Serie A giants Juventus are also in the race in signing the right-back in the summer transfer window.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, the 23-year-old is considering his future at the Emirates Stadium after having a “shaky season” with the Gunners. “With all probability”, he’ll leave the Gunners as they look to remodel the club post Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman has already announced his decision to step down as Arsenal manager at the end of the 2017/18 season. The report claims the Premier League club are looking to raise funds and sanctioning the former Barcelona academy graduate’s sale would help them earn money to shape the squad for the next campaign.
Bellerin is attracting interest from the Turin club, who have been monitoring the full-back for a while. Massimiliano Allegri has the services of Mattia De Sciglio, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Juan Cuadrado as the three players who can play in the right-back position.
However, Juventus are not entirely convinced with the trio and are looking to strengthen that position. The Old Lady believe Arsenal defender can help them further strengthen their back four, if they secure his signature. Matteo Darmain seems a much likelier option.
The Italian league leaders are not the only club looking at the option of signing Bellerin. The Gunners’ London rivals Chelsea and Jose Mourinho’s side are also looking at the option of landing him.
Antonio Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge beyond this season remains uncertain. The former Juventus and Italy coach’s situation at the west London club will have no bearing on their efforts in chasing Bellerin.
United are also said to be in the market for a right-back, with the Portuguese tactician ready to bring in a new player. Mourinho has the services of Antonio Valencia and Darmian as the first choice right-backs in the squad and is ready to sanction the latter’s sale in the summer.
The Red Devils have also identified Bellerin as a target for the summer, according to the Catalan newspaper. Sport claims the Spain international should be available in the next transfer window for around €40 million (£54.4 million).
Boiling all this down. Juventus seems unlikely because Darmian is said to be almost done, Manchester United are probably looking to spend more on a left back than right back, and Arsenal surely wouldn’t sell to Chelsea this summer.
