Three Barcelona players Arsenal could target in Hector Bellerin transfer swap deal

The La Liga giants are reportedly keen on signing Bellerin in an exchange deal during this transfer window

Hector Bellerin in action for Arsenal. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has dominated the headlines throughout this transfer window but Hector Bellerin’s future is now coming into question.

It is understood that Arsenal would reluctantly let the right-back leave amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. However, the Catalan giants are believed to have very limited transfer funds in this window which could see them offer players in exchange for Bellerin.

Given the plethora of talent both at the Camp Nou and out on loan, Barcelona have a high number of options that could strengthen any bids for the Arsenal right-back. Arsenal’s interest in players has been well-documented throughout this transfer window and that may see the Gunners consider exchanging Bellerin before the transfer window closes next month.

Below, we outline three players that Barcelona could offer in exchange for Bellerin.

MIKEL ARTETA IMPRESSED BY WILLIAN AND GABRIEL DEBUTS

Jean-Clair Todibo

Both Leicester City and Everton have been linked with moves for the highly-rated defender during this transfer window.

Todibo’s progressive abilities in central defence makes him a valuable asset for the Catalan giants and one that several clubs will be interested in signing. For Arsenal, their need for a central defender probably isn’t at the top of their agenda which means that an exchange for Bellerin is unlikely.

However, the Gunners could soon come up against the Barcelona defender if Leicester or Everton are able to land his signature during this window - might that money strengthen a bid for Bellerin?

Junior Firpo

Mikel Arteta’s use of several Arsenal players in recent months has shown how much versatility he demands from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and others.

That could again be applied if the 24-year-old was to move to the Emirates Stadium. Firpo’s wide range of qualities has seen him play at left-back and defensive midfield which might suit Arteta’s tendency to change shape regularly.

While the Barcelona man only made 11 starts last season, that lack of game time could encourage him to seek pastures new during this transfer window with Ronald Koeman reportedly offering him a way out.

Much like Todibo, offering Firpo may not be enough to convince Arsenal of parting ways with Bellerin.

Nelson Semedo

If Barcelona are insistent on signing Bellerin in this transfer window, trading current first-choice right-back Semedo could be their most likely chance of getting their man.

Source: Football.london

Confirmed: Arsenal and Barca Reach Guendouzi/Coutinho Swap Agreement.

FC Barcelona are offering Philippe Coutinho in a swap deal for Matteo Guendouzi, with both club hierarchies seemingly keen on the idea.

French outlet Foot Mercato claim Barcelona are discussing a swap deal with Arsenal between Philippe Coutinho and Matteo Guendouzi. The two clubs are talking about the deal ‘in a concrete way’, according to the report.

Coutinho is keen on a return to England, whilst Guendouzi is an outcast in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side. A mixture of off-field behavioural problems, the on-field incident with Neal Maupay and his inability to make amends leave him out of the squad completely.

Edu Gaspar is reportedly a big fan of Coutinho, and Arsenal established contact with his advisers over a move many months ago. Meanwhile, the Barcelona hierarchy are long-term admirers of Guendouzi, so it seems like a decent match.

Guendouzi himself is still unsure of his next step, and he’s prioritising the ‘sporting project’ of any potential new club.

Some Arsenal fans have already shown hesitance to the deal as well. The idea of losing a young talent for a player entering his prime may have short-term benefits, but it could also look like bad business a few years down the line.

Coutinho scored nine goals and assisted eight in 34 games this season. That’s certainly a big upgrade on any current Arsenal midfielder’s output. We know he can produce those kinds of numbers in the Premier League too.

For now, it’s just a rumour. Most of the recent reports lean more towards a loan move for Coutinho, if Arsenal even hold an interest at all. But it’s an interesting one to consider