Arsenal Transfer News: Hector Bellerin Monitored by Pep Guardiola, Fresh Rumours
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin has reportedly been scouted by Manchester City at the instruction of manager Pep Guardiola.
That’s according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, who has stated the City boss is seeking to reshape his defence, with Pablo Zabaleta’s future at the Etihad Stadium appearing to be in doubt after he was ousted by Bacary Sagna last term. Bellerin has been linked as a possible replacement.
“City’s new manager plans to address both full-back positions and has already tasked scouts to monitor [Bellerin],” added Robson. “City have not pressed ahead with a formal approach for the Spaniard—but Guardiola has identified the need to refresh in that department.”
Bellerin has emerged as one of the most exciting young full-backs on the continent with the Gunners, bringing a dynamic presence to the right flank at the Emirates Stadium. These numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate just how effective he can be carrying the ball forward:
The Spain international would be a perfect purchase for Guardiola. One of the first signings he made after taking over at Barcelona in 2008 was Dani Alves from Sevilla; the Brazilian’s rapid surges up and down the wing became a hallmark of his extraordinary Blaugrana side, maintaining width and facilitating room for other players to operate.
Bellerin has the class to do a similar job. While he may not be as effective with the ball at his feet compared to Alves, he can provide a penetrating threat in wider positions and has blistering pace to trouble defenders.
As noted by Squawka Football, he loves getting on the ball, too:
Guardiola may be taking a good look at the player from afar, but it’d take an enormous offer for Arsenal to consider selling. Not only are City big rivals for the Premier League title, the 21-year-old is a young man with the potential to become the best in the world in his role.
The Gunners will want Bellerin around for a long time yet, and as such, it’d be a big surprise to see him move anywhere this summer.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Update
Reported Arsenal target Henrikh Mkhitaryan fancies a move to Manchester United, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
Speaking with the Times (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star) Raiola said the Borussia Dortmund man is keen to leave the Bundesliga to join the Red Devils. “He wants to go to Manchester United and we are still trying to resolve the situation,” he said.
Per Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror, United have already had a £19 million bid rejected for the player, who has also been strongly linked with the Gunners and Chelsea. The Dortmund man has one year remaining on his contract with the club.
Mkhitaryan initially strikes as a natural fit for Arsenal over the aforementioned Premier League rivals. Here is a look at why:
The Gunners play in a way that would suit the midfielder. The Armenia star would be a brilliant option to use on the right flank, sauntering infield into pockets and creating space for Bellerin to bomb on around the outside. It’s a role he was superb in for Dortmund last season, as Mkhitaryan plundered an impressive 11 goals and 15 assists.
Arsenal already have a clutch of attacking midfield talent, something that could sway the Dortmund man towards United should they opt to sell. Still, in what would potentially be a cut-price deal, the Gunners should be doing all they can to get this one done.
.jpg?w=600 "🚨 Giants Picking 5th and 10th")
