Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal are in talks with right-back Hector Bellerin who wants to leave the club in the coming days. Bellerin, who spent the last season on loan at Spanish side Real Betis wants to return to the club on permanent basis. Romano has revealed that the player’s agents discussed contract termination with Arsenal in order to join Betis for free.
However, the Gunners want a transfer fee for Bellerin who still has a contract at the club which runs till the summer of 2023. Moreover, Bellerin’s impressive displays for Betis last season have inflated his market value which now stands at £18 million, per transfermarkt. Arsenal, as a result are reluctant in letting him go for free.
Arsenal holding out on their £8 million asking price of Hector Bellerin
Hector Bellerin moved to Betis last summer on loan, making 32 appearances for the club in all competitions collecting 5 assists. The 27-year-old has become a favourite amongst the Betis fans and he too has reciprocated same energy. Furthermore, Bellerin has been told that he is not a part of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s plans for next season and should leave the club.
However, Bellerin wants a free transfer to Betis by terminating his current deal. The right-back is even ready to give-up on his remaining salary which amounts up to £5m as a ‘goodwill’. But the Gunners are firm on their decision of demanding at least £8 million for their player, which the Spanish side is refusing to pay.
Betis had reportedly tabled an offer of around £3 million for Hector Bellerin, which Arsenal rejected outright. The North Londoners are holding out on their asking price, which reportedly is evading Bellerin from making his move permanent to Betis.
According to Fabrizio Romano, both Bellerin and Arsenal’s representative recently met in London to find out a way to resolve this stand-off. The journalist in a tweet revealed, “Hector Bellerin’s agent is in London today as he met with Arsenal board, been told meeting took place in the morning. Discussions ongoing to terminate the contract. Bellerin asked to return to Real Betis as soon as possible, it’s his priority.”
Hector Bellerin moved to Arsenal from Spain back in 2011, leaving Barca’s youth academy to sign for the Gunners’. He went on to make 239 appearances for the London club, scoring 3 goals and assisting 29, and lifting three FA Cup trophies also in the process.
Arsenal have already sustained huge losses in this summer market, selling four players for not more than £10 million. They now want to cash-in on Bellerin after impressing for Betis and are so far unwilling to let him go for free. The two are slated to hold further talks this week to find a solution before the deadline day of August 31.