Reports: Juventus set to make move for former Barcelona target
What's the story?
Serie A champions Juventus have made Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin their top transfer target according to Italian media outlet Tuttosport . The Spanish full-back was a prime target of La Liga league table leaders Barcelona, until they signed Nelson Semedo from Benfica in the summer.
Tuttosport claims that The Old Lady is on the lookout for a new right-back in the next summer transfer window. The Massimiliano Allegri-managed side has also short-listed Paris Saint-Germain's Thomas Meunier and Atletico Madrid's Sime Vrsaljko along with Bellerin.
In case you didn't know...
Bellerin had signed a six-and-a-half year contract with Arsenal in the November of 2016, claiming the club to be his home. However, that didn't keep the 22-year-old being linked with a move away from Arsenal in the last transfer window, with Barcelona being the top suitors. The Catalan club was forced to cool their interest in the player after the Gunners made it clear that they are not willing to sell.
Juventus, Bellerin's new admirers, currently sit third on the Serie A points table behind Inter Milan and Napoli. The Bianconeri have got a packed squad, but lack depth in the right-back role.
Allegri's side had signed AC Milan player Mattia De Sciglio in the summer and have veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner in their squad. However, the latter turns 34 in January and his best days could be past him. The Swiss international was also omitted from Juventus' Champions League squad in September.
Heart of the matter
With Lichtsteiner being on the wrong side of his 30s and De Sciglio having a slow start at the club, Juventus will be looking to sign a new right-back in the summer transfer window. And if Tuttosport is to be believed, Bellerin is among their top targets.
As the Spaniard had only signed a new contract with Arsenal last year, it will take a big money move from the defending Serie A champions to try and get him. The London club, on the other hand, will not be willing to sell the youngster as he is one of the first names on manager Arsene Wenger's teamsheet.
Video: Bellerin's highlights from last season
Author's take
Looking at Juventus' current right-backs, it is really understandable why they are in the market for a new one. A team of Champions League-winning quality needs a top full-back. However, Bellerin might be too far for the Bianconeri to get.
The Spaniard has got a contract with Arsenal until 2023 and also despite being in poor form, Wenger has kept him as the first choice right-back putting full trust in him. It is also hard to see the player move to any club except Barcelona, where he started his career.