Barcelona sound out Bellerin as replacement for Semedo

A summer rarely passes by without Hector Bellerin being linked with a return to Barcelona. That's because the former La Masia player's name is always on the table. Barça have never been able to do a deal to sign him from Arsenal but now, in September 2020, he's an option again. 

As has always been the case, it won't be east, but Barça are making moves to see if it's possible. SPORT have learned that they have spoken with Arsenal's sporting director Edu about a possible transfer. There have been no further developments but the Catalans were told that the Spain right-back would cost around 25 million euros. They can't meet that price at the moment but they could if Jorge Mendes is able to move Nelson Semedo on. 

Portugal international Semedo has plenty of suitors despite failing to really integrate into the Barça side. Several people at the club are in favour of selling him this summer. For that reason, the club, with Mendes, have explored the option of placing him in the Premier League if the price is right. 

Semedo's future has been in the air since the Bayern Munich hammering. Barça wanted to sell him to Manchester City, possibly as part of a deal involving Joao Cancelo, another Mendes client, and Eric Garica. However, Lionel Messi's decision to stay at Barça and not fight for a move to City has changed the setting. 

They are now looking at who else may be keen on Semedo and if they're able to sell him they will look at Bellerin, who could be available despite coach Mikel Arteta's desire to keep him.