Barcelona pull OUT of Hector Bellerin pursuit following concerns over Arsenal right-back’s ‘technical ability’

Jul 12, 2017

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.

Barcelona have pulled out of a deal to sign Hector Bellerin 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 Sport 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.