Arsenal prepared to use Hector Bellerin in a defender swap deal with Juventus for Merih Demiral.
Over the last week or so there have been rumours linking Arsenal with a move for Juventus defender Merih Demiral.
Well, now there is a new twist. According to Calciomercato, Arsenal is ready to use Bellerin as part of a swap deal with the Italian champions for the signature of Demiral.
It is well known how poor the Arsenal defence is and it is expected that an overhaul will take place sooner rather than later.
Demiral, who is only 21-years-old has failed to nail down a first-team spot in Turn following his summer move from Sassuolo.
The young Turkish international is clearly highly rated and there is no guarantee that Juve will sanction such a deal.
For his part, Bellerin would welcome a move to Italy according to his agent Albert Botines, who told Sky Sports Italia as cited by TeamTalk:
“At the moment he is focused on the team’s commitments, comes from a bad injury and is returning to his levels,”
“He likes Italy, the interest of an Italian club has been there but I can’t reveal it,” he added. “He has a long contract and it won’t be easy to take him away from Arsenal. He is vice-captain, we will see how the season will go.”
So, Bellerin who welcome a move to Italy and Demiral is desperate for first-team football. A match made in heaven. Not quite.
The same report in Calciomercatio claims that Juventus are reluctant to allow Demiral to leave. They apparently rate him very highly.
But a lot will depend on the player himself. If he starts to push for a move he may be able to force the hand of Juve.
I suspect that we have not heard the last of this one.