Barcelona identify former La Masia defender as alternative to Foyth and Meunier | OneFootball

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Barca Universal

·17 August 2022

Barcelona identify former La Masia defender as alternative to Foyth and Meunier

Article image:Barcelona identify former La Masia defender as alternative to Foyth and Meunier

One of Barcelona’s main objectives before the transfer window slams shut is signing a new right-back.

The position has been weakened following the departure of Dani Alves, who left the club as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract. Meanwhile, manager Xavi Hernandez does not favour Sergino Dest and is ready to part ways with him this summer.


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It leaves Sergino Dest as the only viable option as Ronald Araujo is not a natural right-back while Jules Kounde wishes to play at centre-back even though he is capable of slotting out wide.

It has left Barça looking for a new right-back before the transfer window closes. The Catalans have identified several options to reinforce the position, with Juan Foyth of Villarreal and Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund emerging as potential targets.

However, Foyth would cost the Blaugrana around €42 million while Dortmund are demanding €15 million for Meunier, which has forced the club to look at a fallback option in case they are unable to land either of these two targets.

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And, according to SPORT, Barcelona have narrowed in on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin as the alternative to Foyth and Meunier.

The former La Masia right-back could have arrived at Camp Nou last summer itself, with director Mateu Alemany holding talks over a possible return. However, then-manager Ronald Koeman vetoed the move and Bellerin joined Real Betis on loan, where he enjoyed a solid spell.

Now back at Arsenal, Bellerin does not have a future at the Emirates and has been made available in the market, especially with his contract running out next year. Real Betis were keen on signing him but the financial situation at the club has meant that a move has failed.

Barcelona could now offer Bellerin a way to return to Spain if they cannot sign either Foyth or Meunier. The 27-year-old left La Masia back in 2011 and could now make a return to his boyhood club.

However, any move would hinge on Barcelona first selling Dest, who is now said to be open to a move away after initially being reluctant to leave.

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