ARSENAL star Hector Bellerin reportedly ‘has an agreement in place’ to join Barcelona if Joan Laporta becomes the club’s new president.
The full-back’s former club have frequently been linked with a move for him over recent years.
Arsenal star Hector Bellerin reportedly ‘has a transfer agreement to return to Barcelona if Joan Laporte becomes president’Credit: Getty
Spaniard Bellerin, 25, is a graduate of Barca’s famous La Masia academy.
The Daily Mirror claims Laporta has held talks and has an agreement with the Gunners defender’s representatives to try to negotiate a fee with Arsenal to bring him back.
Bellerin, who is also of interest to Paris Saint-Germain, arrived in North London as a 16-year-old and has gone on to play over 200 times for the first team.
He remains under contract until 2023, but today’s report states ‘he is open to rejoining his old club and returning to his home city’ in the summer.
However, that all depends on whether Laporta is voted in for a second crack at life as Barcelona president in the upcoming election.
The lawyer previously served as club chief between 2003 and 2010, in Messi’s hugely-successful formative years at the club.
And if he is, Arsenal may be hit by a double-raid by the 58-year-old chief.
According to Catalan radio station RAC1, Laporta has added Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to his list of potential new coaches.
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Barcelona legend Xavi, currently managing Qatari league leaders Al Sadd, is thought to be the preferred option for the dugout.
But Laporta is yet to decide whether or not to stick with current boss Ronald Koeman, who will at least be given until the end of the season if the 58-year-old is elected president.
Barca must overturn a 4-1 deficit away to PSG in the Champions League to keep their European dream alive while they trail leaders Atletico Madrid by five points in LaLiga – with their rivals having a game in hand.
Laporta is hoping to be elected Barca president for the second timeCredit: EPA
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
