Bellerin emerging as Barcelona option due to Foyth & Meunier price tags

Strengthening at right-back is one of Xavi Hernandez's priorities before the transfer window closes. Villarreal's Juan Foyth and Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Meunier are two of the leading options. The arrival of either, though, is conditioned by Sergiño Dest's departure.

The problem FC Barcelona have with both is the elevated prices of the deals. For Foyth, Villarreal want the Argentine defender's €42m release clause, while Dortmund are asking for around €15m for Meunier, who according to The Telegraph is now also drawing interest from Manchester United. Barça consider both asking prices excessive.

There is a Plan B: Hector Bellerin, who played for Barça as a youngster before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2011.

Bellerin's chances of a Camp Nou to return are gaining strength with each passing day. He has a contract with Arsenal until 2023 and spent last season on loan at Betis, playing 32 times and setting up five goals.

Bellerin has not re-signed for Betis yet due to their financial problems and is negotiating with Arsenal to be allowed to leave the club for free before the window closes. The Premier League side would at least save on his salary.

Mateu Alemany, Barça's director of football, has previously negotiated a deal with Bellerin last summer, but the coach at the time, Ronald Koeman, but the brakes on a potential deal. Bellerin has been linked with the Blaugrana frequently in the past, too, and he would quickly adapt.

Alemany and Xavi will meet soon to discuss the right-back options and Bellerin could become an option -- if Dest leaves first.