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Hector Bellerin is highly likely to leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window when he will have just 12 months left on his deal, according to reports.
THE LOWDOWN: SPARKLING SEASON BACK IN SPAIN
The 27-year-old Spaniard is currently on loan at Real Betis and has enjoyed a sparkling season, helping the club win the Copa del Rey in April, their first piece of silverware since 2005, and they also impressively sit 5th in the Spanish La Liga, three points off the Champions League places.
The Seville-based club are reportedly ready to negotiate for the defender’s services permanently at the end of the season.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Bellerin could yet stay at Arsenal for another season but now it seems that the wheels will be soon in motion for his departure on a permanent basis.
THE LATEST: RETURN UNLIKELY
According to Goal, a return to the Emirates for the four-time Spanish international is now unlikely.
The report goes on to state that sources close to him speak of a player who has found his love for the game again after some tough times with the Gunners – on and off the pitch.
The right-back is apparently willing to take a wage cut to go, and that has given Betis the encouragement to finance a deal.
Part of the report, written by Arsenal reporter Charles Watts, reads:
“Bellerin will have to agree to a reduction from the £110,000-a-week wages he has been on at Arsenal since 2016, but that is not expected to be a problem. He took a cut in pay to push through his loan move last summer, and it is likely he will do so again when official negotiations begin at the end of the season.
“So far there have been no talks between Arsenal and Betis about a permanent transfer, but they will soon begin – with the Spanish side waiting for the season to finish before opening discussions. And they are confident they will get a deal done at a favourable price thanks to the defender’s contract situation and his strong relationship with Arteta.”
THE VERDICT: TIME FOR A MOVE
It is safe to say that the £18m-rated full-back has enjoyed a great spell in Seville and discovered a new lease of life after his difficult period in north London.
The Badalona-born star has so far this campaign started 21 of Betis’ 34 La Liga games and 31 appearances in all competitions, registering five assists.
Arteta deemed him an “exceptional player and an incredible person” when he left on loan last year, but has since replaced him with Takehiro Tomiyasu who is currently impressing within his new environment.
The reason he left the Emirates was to get first-team football, and that he has been rewarded with in his native Spain. Therefore, a permanent stay at Betis makes perfect sense for the player.
AND in other news, Arsenal dealt potential transfer blow for £58.5m-rated ace, ‘secret meetings’ held
