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Barcelona looking to capitalize on Arsenal’s Champions League failure

By Rucker Haringey

MUNICH, BAVARIA - FEBRUARY 15: Hector Bellerin of Arsenl competes with David Alaba of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Arsenal FC at Allianz Arena on February 15, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
MUNICH, BAVARIA - FEBRUARY 15: Hector Bellerin of Arsenl competes with David Alaba of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Arsenal FC at Allianz Arena on February 15, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona are determined to sign Hector Bellerin

You have to credit Barcelona’s scouts for having the presence of mine to see some positives in Arsenal’s Champions League debacle against Bayern Munich. Representatives from the La Liga club were able to see past the Gunners’ pitiful display to see the obvious talent in right back Hector Bellerin.

Barcelona’s interest in the talented fullback isn’t new, but sending scouts to watch him in person is indicative of just how serious their interest really is. The club wouldn’t bother to scout the Spaniard so closely if they weren’t considering making another summer overture for Bellerin.

Arsenal’s disastrous performance could open Bellerin’s mind to a potential move away from North London. Previously he has been steadfast with his desire to remain a part of Wenger’s squad. Now that the French manager’s future is in real question, it’s quite possible that Bellerin could rethink his own future.

Right back just happens to be the weakest spot on Barcelona’s roster. Sergi Roberto has been passable this season, but he lacks the athleticism to really hold up against elite competition. The Catalan giants will certainly be looking to purchase a long-term answer at the important position this summer.

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Of course, even if Wenger does leave Arsenal, it doesn’t mean the club have to part with their talented starlet. Bellerin is such a prodigious talent that he’s going to be an attractive part of the squad for any manager. The Gunners aren’t going to let him go without a fight.

They may not have a choice in the matter though. If Bellerin decides he really wants to play his football elsewhere, he has the clout to force his club to make a move. If he can convince Arsenal to part with him, plenty of clubs will be interested in acquiring a player of his ability.

Don’t bet on any potential bidder presenting a move compelling case than Barcelona though. No matter who their manager is next season, they will need to upgrade their defense. Bellerin could waltz right into the club’s starting XI and prove to be a foundational piece of their renovated back four. That sort of opportunity doesn’t come around for every young Spanish player.

Next: Barcelona in crisis after PSG mauling

In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munch, Gunner fans are rightly concerned about the status of Alexis Sanchez. Barcelona hope to take advantage of their failure by swooping in for Hector Bellerin instead.

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