Roma boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin after being priced out of a move for Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka. After winning the inaugural Europa Conference League in his first season at the Stadio Olimpico, the Portuguese manager is expected to be heavily backed in the summer transfer window.
Mourinho was critical of the depth of his squad throughout the previous campaign, and his options could become further reduced with Henrikh Mkhitaryan linked with a move to Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Gunners loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles has returned to Emirates Stadium following his six-month loan deal.
There were widespread reports that Mourinho was keen to bring Wan-Bissaka to the Serie A side. However, United are believed to have placed a sizable price tag on his head in the hope of recouping much of the £50million they paid Crystal Palace for his services in 2019.
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According to Gazetta Dello Sport, Bellerin has emerged as an affordable alternative. Arsenal reportedly wants £18 million for the Spaniard, who is out of contract next summer.
Bellerin spent last season on loan at Real Betis after falling out of favour with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. He impressed whilst on loan with the La Liga side, making 32 appearances for the club, helping them win the Copa del Rey.
It is believed that Arsenal wouldn't completely rule out another loan deal, but with Bellerin in the last year of his contract, they would prefer to sell. Arteta already has a wealth of options for that role with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares to call upon.
The money generated from Bellerin's sale would likely be spent on strengthening the squad. The north London Club will return to the European stage this coming season and, as such, will need a bigger/better squad to cope with the rigours of a Europa League campaign.
An extra body in midfield and another striker are thought to be the main priorities for Arteta this summer. Meanwhile, Roma looks set to sell playmaker Nicolò Zaniolo to supplement Mourinho's spending this summer.
