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Hector Bellerin to Barcelona: £44m bid sanctioned for Arsenal star, talks to be held
BARCELONA's new boss Ernesto Valverde has sanctioned a £44million offer for Arsenal star Hector Bellerin, reports claim.
Hector Bellerin: Arsenal is my home for now
Bellerin only signed a new six-year contract in November to keep him at Arsenal until 2023.
Valverde, who was named as Luis Enrique’s success last week, has big plans for Barcelona.
A right-back has been identified as a priority, as Barca seek to re-establish themselves as the dominant force in La Liga.
According to Spanish paper Sport, Bellerin is their top target.
It is believed Valverde is prepared to authorise a £44million bid to lure the Spaniard from the Emirates.
Hector Bellerin insists he wants to stay at Arsenal
I've been here nearly six years and I love London. I'm still discovering the city
The report suggests Barca’s sporting director Robert Fernandez will meet Bellerin personally and hopes he can convince the 22-year-old to quit the Gunners.
Despite Barca’s preference for Bellerin, Sport claim they have other options in mind.
Benfica star Nelson Semedo is being considered as a contingency option.
Last month, Bellerin stressed his desire to stay at Arsenal as he said: “I signed my contract because I wanted to be here. I wouldn't have done it otherwise.
Ernesto Valverde is a big fan of Hector Bellerin
"Arsenal is the club that gave me the chance to be a professional and since the first time I met with the boss he's always said if I progressed the right way I could be an Arsenal player for a long time.
"I've been here nearly six years and I love London. I'm still discovering the city.
"The other day, I was out in the car in east London thinking I'd never been there before. That's what I like about the city."
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