Barca tie Bellerin deal to Wenger’s exit

Barcelona have made Arsenal star Hector Bellerin their No 1 summer transfer target as they look to solve a deepening crisis at right-back.

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Bellerin, who was originally plucked from La Masia by Arsene Wenger, has been highlighted as the perfect acquisition by Nou Camp officials looking to fix a problem caused by Luis Enrique.

The 21-year-old has become a key player for the Gunners in recent years, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year last season and recently sealing a long-term £100,000-a-week contract as a reward.

Despite that, Barcelona feel confident that a deal can be completed and are fully prepared to meet what is likely to be a hefty asking price.

They are further boosted by news that Wenger could leave at the end of the season as they feel Bellerin will be further inclined to ask for a move away from north London if his mentor goes.

Enrique, who definitely will leave at the end of the season, chose not to sign a new right-back last summer to replace Dani Alves, instead committing the vast majority of his transfer budget to sign Andre Gomes from Valencia.

Aleix Vidal will be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a broken ankle and La Liga rules allow Barcelona to sign a player outside the transfer window to cover his absence, so long as that player is currently playing in Spain.