Barcelona are reportedly close to concluding a deal for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin.
The 27-year-old previously shared a dressing room with manager Mikel Arteta during his compatriot's time as a player but has fallen down the pecking order under the Spaniard's management.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares have relegated Bellerin down to third choice in the right-back pecking order, while Ben White has started the new campaign on that side of the backline.
Despite being involved for Arsenal in pre-season, Bellerin has not played a competitive minute in the Premier League this term and is due to become a free agent in the summer of 2023.
As a result, the Spain international has been determined to secure a permanent exit from the North London club during the current window after starring on loan for Real Betis last season.
© Reuters
Bellerin came up with five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for Manuel Pellegrini's side and returned to the English capital having won the Copa del Rey with Los Verdiblancos.
The defender has supposedly been keen to return to Betis on a permanent basis, but a proposed move is now thought to be off due to the Verdiblancos' lack of financial resources.
Barcelona has been mooted as an alternative option for the former La Masia starlet, who initially spent eight years in Barca's youth setup before signing for Arsenal back in 2011.
According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Barcelona are now edging closer to completing the signing of Bellerin, who will leave Arsenal for free when the Gunners terminate his contract.
Barcelona are said to have entered advanced discussions with Bellerin's camp over a return, and the right-back will accept a reduced salary in order to re-sign for his boyhood outfit.
© Reuters
La Blaugrana are expected to sanction a deadline-day exit for Sergino Dest, who will ply his trade on loan at Italian champions AC Milan, which will open the door for Bellerin's return.
The former Betis loanee prepares to leave Arsenal having won three FA Cup and three Community Shields since 2011, totalling nine goals and 29 assists in 239 competitive fixtures for the Gunners.
Bellerin is not expected to be the only deadline-day outgoing from Arsenal, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles expected to be confirmed as a Southampton player in the coming hours.
Maitland-Niles will extend his Arsenal contract until 2024 before heading to St Mary's on loan with an option to buy, and Arteta's side may not be completely finished in terms of incomings either.
Having lost Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey to injury in recent weeks, the Gunners are reported to be working on a late move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is in the final year of his contract at Villa Park.
The two clubs are said to be in ongoing negotiations over a deal which could reach £20m, and Luiz scored against Arsenal direct from a corner in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
