Barcelona eyeing surprise deal for Arsenal defender

Barcelona could look to sign Hector Bellerin as a replacement for Tottenham Hotspur-bound Emerson Royal.

The Blaugrana have opted to sell Emerson to Spurs for €30m. The transfer is pending a medical and personal terms being agreed.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are likely to pursue a replacement before the transfer window closes.

Bellerin has been linked with the club on several occasions, having previously developed in the La Masia academy.

The Blaugrana plan to propose a loan deal with an option to buy for around €15m at the end of the campaign.

The Gunners previously rejected a similar proposal from Inter Milan before they opted to sign Denzel Dumfries from PSV.

While the club are keen to offload Bellerin, it appears unlikely that they will accept a loan deal without a buy obligation.

Bellerin has less than two years remaining on his Gunners deal. He has yet to make an appearance this term amid a thigh injury.