Barcelona have been accused of going behind Arsenal’s back and trying to unsettle Spanish international Hector Bellerin.
The 21-year-old came through the youth academy at the Catalan giants after joining the club at the age of eight in 2003.
Given that connection, it is widely expected that he will eventually return to Barca, but Arsenal will undoubtedly have plans to make him a long-term fixture of their squad moving forward.
After enjoying a stellar campaign with the Gunners this past season, Bellerin made the Spain squad for Euro 2016 and will undoubtedly be fully focused on helping La Roja secure a deep run in the tournament.
However, according to El Confidencial, the La Liga champions have gone behind Arsenal’s back and contacted the defender about a possible return.
Furthermore, it is also claimed that they have even cut out his agent by going straight to him about the idea, and if true, that will undoubtedly infuriate all concerned and put Barca at risk of facing disciplinary action.
As noted in the report, Barcelona have insisted recently that they will respect any club and player in every situation, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here if the report is legitimate.
Bellerin joined Arsenal in 2011, and after making 20 appearances in the Premier League in the 2014/15 campaign, he went on to establish himself as the first choice right-back for Arsene Wenger this past season as he made 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing eight assists.
Whether or not a return to Barcelona appeals to him remains to be seen, but he has certainly proven his ability over the last 12-18 months and with Dani Alves leaving the Nou Camp this summer, perhaps it isn’t a coincidence that the Spanish giants have stepped up their interest.