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Defender Hector Bellerin has been keen to leave the Emirates this season and it seems he’s ready to make a decision that will see him leave this summer.
THE LOWDOWN: FROZEN OUT
Hector Bellerin, who is the longest-serving member of the Arsenal squad at the moment, lost his place in the team when Mikel Arteta was appointed as the manager in 2019. The situation forced the La Masia product to leave the Emirates on loan for La Liga side Real Betis, in order to get playing time.
The Spaniard had a memorable time back in his home country, which culminated in helping Manuel Pellegrini’s side win the Copa Del Rey. In total, he made 32 appearances and five assists in the full campaign he spent with the Seville side.
Upon his return to Arsenal for this season’s preparations, Bellerin has not been given much attention. He featured sparingly in the Gunners’ preseason games and was left out of the squad for the Emirates cup game against Sevilla as well as the Premier League opener against Palace on Friday.
THE LATEST: TERMINATION TALK
Bellerin, who has been listed for sale this summer, has made it clear that he wants to go back to Seville, but Betis don’t have the money to make the move happen.
Betis have also been willing to sign him on a permanent basis but Arsenal’s valuation of the defender has been a stumbling block. There is talk from other sides but Bellerin has no interest in any other suitor, and he is now pushing to terminate his contract.
A fresh report on Metro Sport claims that the defender has reached a conclusion to tear up his current Arsenal deal worth £4.2m and leave for free. He would then accept an offer that is around half of what he makes currently.
THE VERDICT: WELCOME DEVELOPMENT
In recent seasons, the contracts of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been mutually terminated and everyone went their way happily.
When a player wants to leave, it is always great to allow him to go because it could disrupt the peace in the dressing room. Leaving him out of the game against Palace is a clear indication that the club does not need Bellerin.
Central defender Ben White was deployed in the right back position for the game at Selhurst Park and did considerably well against Wilfred Zaha. Japanese Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares are other options in that position, so it will be unwise to keep Bellerin in the squad when it is obvious the 27-year-old has no future in the team anymore.
