Real Betis are ‘excited’ about the possibility of signing Hector Bellerin from Arsenal, but must first sell enough players on Deadline Day to afford his salary, according to AS.
The La Liga side are rushing to free enough of their wage bill to beat competition to signing the Spaniard. Mikel Arteta does not count on Bellerin at the Emirates Stadium and is yet to call on him this season.
Bellerin was an unused substitute on the opening day as Arsenal lost to Brentford, with Calum Chambers starting at right-back. Arteta, meanwhile, omitted the 26-year-old entirely against Chelsea and Manchester City, instead favouring Cedric Soares on both occasions.
Other important clubs have made Bellerin offers to leave Arsenal, along with Real Betis. But the £110,000-per-week full-back has rejected most chances to leave north London. And the four-cap international could now join the side he supported in his youth on Deadline Day.
Real Betis want to strike a last-ditch deal that will inspire their supporters after a poor start to the season. And, ideally, their late-window arrival will be a right-back. The Estadio Benito Villamarin outfit sit 14th in La Liga after two draws and a defeat over three games.
However, Real Betis must first free funds from their wage bill to be able to afford Bellerin’s lucrative Arsenal wage. Manager Manuel Pellegrini would also prefer Los Verdiblancos sign a right-back who can also play centre-half, and perhaps holding midfield.
Barcelona pose threat in Real Betis bid to sign Arsenal defender Bellerin
Real Betis risk missing out on signing Bellerin if they fail to sell enough players to afford his Arsenal wage. Pellegrini may also block Los Verdiblancos’ attempts to sign him if he pushes the Estadio Benito Villamarin hierarchy to sign a versatile defender over the right-back.
Barcelona could also pose a threat to Real Betis in their bid to sign Bellerin from Arsenal on Deadline Day. Gianluca Di Marzio reports the Camp Nou outfit also like the Spaniard, and could move if they sell Emerson Royal.
Bellerin will be seriously considering if he has a future at Arsenal after an invisible start under Arteta this season. And with two-years left on his wage, the Gunners will also be weighing up whether he should stay. Knowing now may be their best time to sell.
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