Roma boss Jose Mourinho is considering a move for out-of-favour Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin after being priced out of a move for Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The former Tottenham boss will be given significant cash to invest in his squad this summer, having led the Serie A giants to Europa Conference League success.
Mourinho bemoaned the size of his squad on regular occasions last term and already Roma have lost Henrikh Mkhitaryan – who is set to join Inter Milan – and Ainsley Maitland-Niles has returned to Arsenal after his six-month loan.
The Italians had been keen on Wan-Bissaka but United want to recoup as much of the £50m that they spent on the defender in 2019 as possible and Roma could only afford a season-long loan deal.
Bellerin has therefore become a more realistic target, with Gazetta Dello Sport claiming Roma are exploring a deal.
Arsenal are seeking around £18m to sell Bellerin but the Spaniard has just one year left on his deal at the Emirates and Roma feel they can sign him for lower than the Gunners’ valuation.
Bellerin spent last season on loan at Real Betis and he enjoyed his time in Seville, playing 32 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal would consider allowing Bellerin to leave on loan again but would demand a significant fee for letting the Spaniard go.
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