Exclusive: Hector Bellerin is Barcelona's chosen right-back signing

Exclusive: Hector Bellerin is Barcelona's chosen right-back signing

Tomas Andreu

Luis Enrique and Robert Fernandez agree the Blaugrana should try and move for Bellerin

It's nearly a month since the transfer window shut and FC Barcelona have marked a clear objective for the near future: Hector Bellerin. The Arsenal full-back's name is not new in the Barcelona universe but circumstances have changed over the past few weeks and they oblige Luis Enrique and Robert Fernandez to move with purpose. The chance to sign him exists but it should be completed in the next few weeks.

Robert spoke to Hector at the end of May to indicate Barcelona interest and find out his disposition regarding leaving Arsenal to return to Camp Nou. Barcelona didn't progress with the deal less for a no from the player, despite interest from several top clubs, but a lack of economic resources and Luis Enrique wanting to give Aleix Vidal time to see if he had progressed. But the situation has changed and Barcelona are willing to strike a blow.

Barcelona want a young right-back, capable of attacking and bringing stability to the flank in the long term. Aleix Vidal does not fulfill these requirements. There is total unanimity that Bellerin is the perfect candidate. At 21 he shows maturity and ideal skill-sets to fit into Barcelona's system. For his age and his potential he's considered the No 1 in his bracket.

Another factor is Arsenal wanting to force Bellerin to renew his contract. After various delays in august, Richard Law, Arsenal's deal maker, showed he wanted to seal Bellerin's deal in October. The club want to tie down their three pillars: Alexis, Ozil, Bellerin. 

There is no time for more evaluation. The coaches want Hector, but the defender will only be available if he rejects his contract offer and Arsenal can sell him for a reasonable price in the window at the end of the season. There is little more than a month for Barcelona to seduce the footballer. If he does sign on again at the Emirates, it will be almost impossible to sign him.