AS Roma ready to step up pursuit of Barcelona defender in January

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on the future of Hector Bellerin. The Barcelona right-back has been a subject of speculation in recent weeks, especially after a disastrous return to Camp Nou.

Bellerin has fallen out of Xavi Hernandez’s plans, and his fitness issues have not helped his cause either. As such, many expect him to depart Camp Nou in the upcoming January transfer market.

One of the teams interested in the services of Bellerin is AS Roma. The Italian giants are actively in the market for a new right-back in January, especially after Rick Karsdorp fell out completely with coach Jose Mourinho.

The Dutchman is set to leave the club, thus forcing the club to find a new option elsewhere. That is where Bellerin comes into the fray. It appears Mourinho rates the Barcelona star highly and is ready to sign the defender, who offers abundant experience at the highest level of football.

The report suggests Roma have stepped up their pursuit of Bellerin as well. They consider him the ideal replacement for Karsdorp and will be willing to sign him in January.

However, the Giallorossi are not too keen on the idea of paying for Bellerin in January. It appears they will try to ask Barcelona to offer him a letter of freedom, which in turn, will allow the player to leave Camp Nou for free next month.

Barcelona, though, may not have much to gain from this. Although they might be able to save Bellerin’s salary package for the remainder of the season, it will not have a significant impact on the club’s expenses, at least to a margin where they can avoid of the Financial Fair Play regulations.