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Manchester City’s hopes of singing £34m Arsenal star Hector Bellerin fading
MANCHESTER CITY face a battle to sign Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin as Barcelona eye up the Spaniard.
Bellerin makes vital challenge against Man City in the FA Cup
Barcelona are increasingly confident they can secure the £34million capture of Arsenal defender Bellerin at the end of the season.
The Spain international has been a target of his boyhood club for some time but the Nou Camp side are set to step up their efforts in the next few weeks to capitalise on Arsenal’s poor league season so far.
Bellerin, 22, was abused by Gunners fans in the dismal 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace and has struggled to recover his form since he made his comeback from an ankle injury.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could offload former Arsenal ace Bacary Sagna this summer, meaning there is likely to be a spot available for Bellerin to complete a move to the Etihad.
But Barca appears a more favourable option for the product of the famous La Masia academy.
Arsenal’s looming failure to make a top-four spot and secure Champions League football next season is set to give them a headache in hanging onto players this summer, with Bellerin the first potential departure.
Barcelona, Man City and Juventus want to sign Hector Bellerin
Manchester City are understood to be eyeing a summer swoop for Bellerin (right)
Barcelona remain favourites to re-sign their former player Bellerin
Juventus are also interested in the full-back, but Barca are looking to Bellerin after failing to find an adequate replacement for Dani Alves.
Bellerin, meanwhile, is set to go against manager Arsene Wenger’s wishes and play for Spain at the European Under-21 Championships this summer.
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