Playing for 90
Fansided

Arsenal’s loss to Barcelona might cost them a star

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Neymar of Barcelona is challenged by Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Neymar of Barcelona is challenged by Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Arsenal may be poised to lose another star to Barcelona in the form of right back Hector Bellerin

Over the years, Arsenal has become all too familiar with losing its best players to Barcelona. In the aftermath of their 2-0 loss to the La Liga Giants in the Champions League, it may be set to happen to the North London club again.

More from Arsenal FC

The Independent reports that several Barcelona players approached Hector Bellerin after the match to inquire as to his situation at Arsenal. The ex-Barcelona man could be the next Arsenal star to head to greener pastures in Spain. He’d follow in the footsteps of quite a few Arsenal stars who have made that move such as Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas.

The 20-year-old has taken control of the right back position for Arsene Wenger. He’s started 24 Premier League matches for Arsenal and has acquitted himself quite well with a Whoscored.com player rating average of 7.13.

Perhaps more enticing to Barcelona, is the fact that Bellerin has played his best football in Champions League matches. His player rating average jumps up to 7.38 in his five Champions League starts. That fact, in combination with his solid showing against Barcelona in the first leg, has really sparked the interest of the La Liga leaders.

Simply put, Arsenal cannot afford to let Bellerin get away. He is their best young defender and the cost to replace him would be significant. Sure, they’d likely receive a massive fee from Barcelona if Bellerin made the move, but right backs with his level of talent don’t grow on trees. Even if they could find a replacement, it would be massively expensive.

Barcelona figures to be in the market for a new right back given the advanced age of current star Dani Alves. The Brazilian fullback is performing well this season, but age is starting to become an issue. He’s already 32-years-old and there are subtle signs of decline in his trademark athleticism. Purchasing Bellerin would provide Barca with a top-notch replacement for years to come.

The real risk for Arsenal in selling Bellerin to Barcelona is that it would further the idea that they serve as some sort of feeder club to Camp Nou. For Arsenal to achieve their goals of winning the Premier League and challenging for Champions League titles, they can’t continue to lose their top talent to Barcelona. That’s a tough reality to overcome, but it’s something Wenger and company have to do to elevate the club.

Related Story: 5 reasons Arsenal can win the Premier League title

Arsenal’s Champions League loss to Barcelona may cost them more than just the chance to advance in the competition. The solid performance of star right back Hector Bellerin may have been good enough to earn him a move back to Barcelona this summer.

Home/Arsenal FC