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Lionel Messi forces Barcelona to sign Premier League defender

By Atharva Khadilkar

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal (R) tackles Adama Traore of Middlesbrough (L) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal (R) tackles Adama Traore of Middlesbrough (L) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona will need to fortify their back-line going into the next season if they want to stop conceding cheaply as they have done this season.

Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto have been below expectations this season. The two have been employed as right backs regularly by both, Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien, but have failed in performing their duties to the maximum. That being said, both of them have more weaknesses than strengths and hence, it’s difficult to make a case for them.

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Semedo has been caught out of position very often and in spite of being a player with very good work-rate. His defending has proven to be a major downfall for the Blaugrana whereas in Roberto’s case, there hasn’t been much on offer neither going forward or at the back which is a surprise rather given that he was very good not a long time ago.

Bringing in a right back has become a priority at the Camp Nou and some options like Joshua Kimmich, Ricardo Pereira, Joao Cancelo and Hector Bellerin have been linked with a move to Barcelona. However, most of the options are expensive and one of the most reasonable one is Arsenal’s full-back, who is probably keen on leaving the downtrodden club.

Don Balon has stated that Lionel Messi has pushed the La Liga leaders into making a move for the 25 year old amid interest from Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla. Bellerin would want to leave the Emirates Stadium at a critical time in his career as being in north London is pragmatically not going to get him any silverware in the near future.

Camp Nou could be a great destination for the former La Masia graduate, who has been performing well for the Gunners. Since Bellerin has played for the Catalans’ youth ranks, he is accustomed to the club’s demands as well as playing style. His pace, coupled with experience at a young age will prove to be a massive asset for the Blaugrana.

Next. Barca negotiate a sale behind Messi's back against his wish. dark

Do you think Bellerin would help the right-back problems at Barca in settling down once and for all?

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