Barcelona Reportedly Bid €30M for Nelson Semedo, Rule out Hector Bellerin Deal
Barcelona have reportedly offered Benfica €30 million for right-back Nelson Semedo having given up on their pursuit of Arsenal's Hector Bellerin.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record (h/t Catalan daily Sport), the Blaugrana have "ruled out signing" the Spaniard and made Semedo their priority target for the position, with the 23-year-old being manager Ernesto Valverde's pick.
Sporting director Robert Fernandez is said to have opened talks with both club and player to negotiate a deal.
Barcelona are still yet to adequately replace Dani Alves since his departure last summer, so it's vital they bring in a new right-back ahead of next season.
Squawka's Muhammad Butt welcomed the news that Barca are targeting Semedo:
He enjoyed a superb season with Benfica, winning the Primeira Liga with the Eagles for the second year running as well as the Taca de Portugal.
Semedo showcased his ability to get forward with 12 assists in all competitions, as well as two goals.
His efforts in the Primeira Liga saw him rewarded with a prestigious end-of-season award, per Sport Witness' Jan Hagen:
He looks to be a strong candidate to improve Barcelona's options on the right flank, and he still has the potential to develop his game further upon moving to the Camp Nou.
Semedo also appears to be somewhat more attainable than Bellerin, so rather than spend their summer chasing a deal that may not happen, Barca are wisely opting to get their business done relatively early by recruiting a player of similar quality.
