Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have found a new way to go to war as reports from The Express claim that both the Manchester clubs are ready to fight it out for Arsenal’s £43m rated right-back Hector Bellerin.
Spanish journal Mundo Deportivo claims that Bellerin is destined to join Manchester City in the coming weeks and once again team up with his former manager Pep Guardiola. A direct source was quoted saying: “He is happy at Arsenal... but the option of City exists, it pleases him and what’s more, Pep is there.”
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The 21-year-old defender was part of Barcelona’s youth team (2003-2011) and worked with Guardiola while manager’s tenure with club’s B side. Bellerin idolizes Guardiola and will not say no to his one-time mentor if he comes calling.
However, City are tipped to face huge competition for Bellerin’s signature including from their cross-town rivals, Manchester United. Jose Mourinho’s squad overhaul at Old Trafford is all but complete with a couple of positions left to sort out.
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Paul Pogba’s arrival only seems a matter of time but the right-back situation is a point of concern for the ‘Special One’. Jose has his doubts about Matteo Darmian’s defensive abilities and has been preparing Phil Jones for that role during United’s pre-season tour in China.
United have also been linked with AS Monaco’s Brazilian defender Fabinho after readying a £25million bid, according to reports from The Sun.
However, Mourinho sees Bellerin as the ideal addition to his already glittering Manchester United squad which can sort out the right-back situation at Old Trafford for years to come.
Like City, United will need to fend off a concrete interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona if he is indeed willing to sign Hector Bellerin this summer.
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Despite the big-money offers waiting in the wings, Arsenal are prepared to reject any bid for their young star and fight to keep him at Emirates. Manager Arsene Wenger is under extreme pressure to sign a quality striker this summer and he does not want to welcome a fan fury right now by agreeing to sell Bellerin to one of his direct rivals.
Bellerin became a regular feature in Arsenal’s set up last season after playing over 40 games and contributing with 8 assists. Gunners fans are anxiously waiting to see how this particular story unfolds over the course of next few weeks.
