Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has reportedly identified Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin as his top transfer target should he assume office in Catalonia.
Bellerin came through the youth ranks at Barcelona before moving to North London in 2011, where he has quickly become the Gunners' first-choice right-back.
However, the 25-year-old has not been immune from criticism this season and returned from a suspension in time to face Everton in the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta opted to select Ainsley Maitland-Niles in that 2-1 defeat on Saturday evening.
Now, The Mirror reports that Laporta - supposedly the frontrunner to become Barcelona's new president - has earmarked Bellerin as his priority target for the summer if he lands the Blaugrana job next month.
The report claims that contact has already been made with Bellerin's entourage, and an initial fee of £22m has been tabled for the Spain international.
Bellerin, who is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2023, was previously linked with a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain over the summer.
The right-back has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Arteta's side this term, registering four assists in red and white.
Ben Knapton
