Report: Arsenal looking to secure defender swap with Barcelona, or title winners

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David Ornstein claims in his latest piece for The Athletic that Arsenal are ready to swap Hector Bellerin for one of two La Liga right-backs. The Spaniard is becoming increasingly frustrated that he has not yet been sold. The two in question are Barcelona’s Emerson, and Kieran Trippier.

Bellerin, 26, was an unused substitute on Friday night as Arsenal suffered defeat to newly-promoted Brentford. Mikel Arteta chose to play Calum Chambers at right-back, who is naturally a centre-back. It was a move that failed to come to fruition, with Chambers struggling throught the night.

Bellerin has been linked with a move all summer and now, such a deal could come finally come his way. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keen – and Arsenal are ready to conduct a swap deal for both players. The report claims that Emerson or Trippier could be part of a deal for Bellerin.

Bellerin to leave Arsenal – but which suits best, Emerson or Trippier?

Firstly, Arsenal value Bellerin at around £17million so the likelihood is that Arsenal would have to include a cash figure alongside the right-back. But do Arsenal play it safe and go with a proven Premier League performer in Trippier – who is now 30 – or go risky and sign 22-year-old Emerson?

The Brazil international is a risk because he is only on the fringes at Barcelona. But given he impressed for Betis during his two years on loan, and that he has plenty of development to come – surely it makes sense to go for him? Emerson is the way forward for Arsenal.