Barcelona news: Lionel Messi wants to correct club’s past mistake

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to bring Hector Bellerin home

Barcelona have plenty of attacking power with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, but they’re a little short on defensive talent. That’s why their Argentine maestro is instructing club officials to bring Hector Bellerin back to Spain this summer.

Reports from Spain claim that Messi’s advice has already caused officials for the Catalan giants to leap into action. Barcelona employees reportedly traveled to England to investigate their chances of signing Bellerin away from Arsenal within the last several weeks.

Club officials believe they can take advantage of the unrest surrounding the North London club at the moment. Questions still swirl about whether or not Arsene Wenger will continue as the Gunners’ manager after this season. Even if he does, it’s possible that Bellerin will be looking to leave before Wenger finally is forced to end his Arsenal reign.

Returning to Barcelona would certainly be an intriguing option for Bellerin. He grew up at the club but moved to England in search of regular playing time. His development at Arsenal has been significant. He’s played well enough against Premier League competition for Messi and others to think he can hold up against La Liga attackers too.

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The real question is whether or not Arsenal are even willing to entertain the idea of parting with Bellerin. He’s precisely the sort of young talent the club should be building around. Replacing him with a player with equal talent would be very challenging. Finding a player of his talent, age and experience could prove to be impossible.

From the Barcelona perspective, Bellerin could be the answer to one of the club’s most challenging issues. Sergi Roberto has been unable to hold down the right back position despite receiving ample opportunities to win the job. It’s obvious the Catalan giants will purchase a first choice right back this summer.

It makes sense that Bellerin would be their top choice. Club officials are familiar with him due to his time at the club as a youth. As I mentioned before, his quality play for Arsenal over the last couple of seasons make him a safe bet to transition effectively to Spain’s top flight.

Next: Tottenham purchase could cost Arsenal Alexis Sanchez

The idea of Barcelona wanting to bring Hector Bellerin back isn’t anything new. The idea that Lionel Messi is pushing the issue is. The Argentine’s backing may help push the move through for the Catalan giants.