Barcelona pull OUT of Hector Bellerin pursuit following concerns over Arsenal right-back’s ‘technical ability’
La Liga giants are desperate to strengthen in 'problem position' but are worried about Spain Under-21s international's fitness
BARCELONA have given up in their pursuit of Hector Bellerin due to concerns of his “technical ability and general fitness”, according to reports in Catalonia.
Last season’s La Liga runners-up had made the Arsenal man their No 1 target as they looked to bring in a top quality right-back this summer.
It had been a problem position for the whole of the previous campaign, with central midfielder Sergi Roberto often forced to play there.
They had identified former academy player Bellerin as the solution, but report that pursuit has ended.
Barcelona board members met with new boss Ernesto Valverde and it was decided they would look elsewhere for a new right-back.
It was believed 22-year-old would have cost around £35million, given Arsenal’s reluctance to sell — which was considered too much.
But the decision was also based on their fears over his technical ability and his fitness, having spent a lot of time on the treatment table due to problems with his ankle.
It was not unanimous, however, with some members believing he was in fact the perfect fit.
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Dani Alves left the Nou Camp last summer, and Barcelona failed to bring in a replacement — which cost them dearly.
Cesar Azpilicueta is another target, with the Catalans given hope of landing the Spain international following Chelsea’s capture of Antonio Rudiger.
While Benfica’s Nelson Semedo represents a different option.
