Barcelona's Hector Bellerin close to Roma loan move?

The Spaniard ended his 11-year spell at Arsenal to return to Barcelona on a free transfer over the summer, but he has struggled for regular game time under Xavi so far.

Bellerin has only made five appearances for La Blaugrana in the 2022-23 campaign, starting two games in the Champions League and only one in La Liga.

Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde can also feature at right-back for Barcelona, and Bellerin has been an unused substitute in each of their last four La Liga outings.

The 27-year-old only penned a one-year deal at Camp Nou following his return over the summer, and he is therefore due to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Bellerin has been linked with a temporary switch to Roma as Jose Mourinho seeks out replacements for Rick Karsdorp, and Calciomercato claims that the ex-Arsenal man is edging closer to a move.

Mourinho publicly criticised an unnamed player - believed to be Karsdorp - following Roma's 1-1 draw with Sassuolo on November 9, and he was dropped from the squad to face Torino four days later.

Karsdorp is now widely expected to leave Roma in January amid links with Turkey, which would open up a space for Bellerin to head to Serie A, although he is not the only option for Mourinho.

The report adds that Real Madrid outcast Alvaro Odriozola is also on the Giallorossi manager's shortlist, although the 26-year-old would be a more expensive acquisition than Bellerin.

Furthermore, Roma would likely have to sell before they can buy in January, with striker Eldor Shomurodov and defender Marash Kumbulla potentially on the chopping block.

Bellerin represented Barcelona at youth level before leaving for Arsenal in 2011, and he won three FA Cups and three Community Shields during a productive spell in North London.

The Spain international also recorded nine goals and 29 assists in 239 appearances for the Gunners in all tournaments, but he began to fall out of favour during Mikel Arteta's reign.

Bellerin signed for Real Betis on loan for the 2021-22 season, and the right-back helped Los Verdiblancos win the Copa del Rey with five assists from 32 appearances in all tournaments.

Betis were thought to have been pushing for a permanent deal for Bellerin, but they could not come to an agreement with Arsenal over a transfer fee due to their financial problems.