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TBR View: Arsenal should use Hector Bellerin as bait to land Riqui Puig

Hector Bellerin could be on his way out of Arsenal in the summer and Edu and Mikel Arteta could use Barcelona’s interest to their advantage.

The Catalan giants are keen to take the right-back to the Nou Camp in the summer. Arsenal are considering a sale as the boss aims to reshape his squad ahead of next season.

It is thought that Arsenal want around for Bellerin. The financial situation at Barcelona is likely to see them baulk at such a sum, however.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal - Premier League
(Photo; David Price; Arsenal FC; Getty Images)

Instead, the Gunners could look to land a player who Arsenal tried to sign in January before they snared Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid .

, Arteta was keen to sign Riqui Puig on loan from Barca before Ronald Koeman had a chance of tact and decided to keep him.

The 21-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season and as a highly-rated youngster, they might wish to keep him around.

Their desire to land Bellerin, however, might alter their stance and Arsenal could possibly lead the negotiations.

The Spanish defender earns at the Emirates Stadium but has struggled for consistency.

He has played 232 times for the Gunners but Arteta could seek to sign another option during the summer transfer window.

Puig typically operates in the middle of the park and his arrival would see a different option added to the Arsenal ranks.

He is good on the ball, likes a tackle and shows superb positional sense.

(Photo; Quality Sport Images; Getty Images)

Barcelona are way off the pace in La Liga and new president Joan Laporta will want to ensure his summer signings are on the money.

If he is adamant about signing Bellerin then asking for Puig as part of the deal could be a shrewd play by the Gunners.