Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is hoping to secure a permanent transfer to Real Betis this summer.
The 27-year-old joined the Gunners back in 2011 when he was just a teenager. The defender made his competitive debut in 2013, and since then, accumulated a staggering 239 appearances for the club. A knee injury in 2019 stagnated his growth and significantly reduced his game time.
Bellerin returned to Spain in 2021 to join Real Betis on a season-long loan deal. He has played a crucial role in the club’s Copa Del Rey triumph last season.
According to Romano, the fullback wants to continue to play for the Spanish outfit. He reports that Bellerin has no intention to return to Arsenal next season. However, securing a permanent transfer to Manuel Pellegrini’s side is not a straightforward task due to financial reasons. After his excellent loan spell with Real Betis, the Spaniard is not short of suitors.
Fabrizio Romano said:
“Héctor Bellerín has no plans to continue at Arsenal next season. He hopes for Real Betis return but the deal is more than complicated because of financial reasons, it will take time. #AFC
“Bellerín has received also other approaches and will decide his future soon.”
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1533700464964796418
The defender’s current contract with the north Londoners does not expire until 2023. Some reports have claimed that he had requested Arsenal to terminate his contract so that he can join Betis on a free transfer. However, they have reportedly turned down that request.
Arsenal Fever View:
Bellerin was a mainstay in the Gunners backline under Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery. He was considered to be one of the quickest fullbacks in the world with huge potential. But since that injury in 2019, he has been a shadow of his former self.
The 27-year-old struggled to regain his confidence and slowly fell down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. A change of scene last year has helped him resurrect his career. He has shown glimpses of his quality during his time in Spain.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares in the ranks, it is unlikely that the Spaniard would get regular minutes under his belt. Parting ways after almost a decade seems to be a sensible decision for the parties. Arsenal have to capitalize on this opportunity and get a decent transfer fee while his market value is on the rise.
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