Barcelona in very advanced talks to sign former right-back, will take a massive pay cut

As per journalist Hugo Cerezo, as relayed by Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona’s search for a new right-back could finally come to an end in the next few hours as they are reportedly in very advanced negotiations to re-sign former defender Hector Bellerin.

Barcelona have been moving from one target to another in the market in search of a new right-back this summer. A move for Cesar Azpilicueta collapsed last month while Juan Foyth’s injury ruled him out as a candidate.

Thomas Meunier was a top choice but Borussia Dortmund’s demands for him seem to have convinced the Blaugrana to look at a familiar face in Bellerin.

The 27-year-old spent his formative years at Barça’s fabled La Masia youth setup before leaving the club for Arsenal in 2011. Having progressed into the first-team setup at the Emirates he held the first-choice right-back slot for several years before a serious injury sidelined him.

Since returning to fitness, Bellerin has been overlooked at Arsenal and he spent the last season out on loan at Real Betis, where he made a solid impression. Now back at the north London club, the Spaniard is still not favoured by Mikel Arteta.

And, Bellerin is now close to securing a return to Barcelona. The 27-year-old’s contract with Arsenal expires next year and he will negotiate a termination of contract with the Premier League giants to join his boyhood club on a free transfer, much like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move in January.

On top of that, Bellerin will also take a big wage cut in order to fit onto Barça’s payroll without causing the club any problems with his registration. Talks are said to be in very advanced stages, with the ex-La Masia ace now on the verge of returning to his roots.