Arsenal will sit down with Real Betis at the end of the season to discuss a permanent move for Hector Bellerin after his rejuvenated campaign in Spain during a one-year loan transfer.
That’s according to football.london, who report talks will start at the close of the campaign over the Hale Enders’ farewell. The right-back has enjoyed a new lease of life at the Benito Villamarin Stadium this term, after asking Mikel Arteta to grant his departure last summer.
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Bellerin felt he needed a move away from north London following a raft of injury issues at the Emirates Stadium. The constant string of problems cost him a starting role in Arteta’s plans, with a total of 35 appearances but just 32 starts from 58 games in all competitions.
Takehiro Tomiyasu arrived at Arsenal in line with Bellerin joining Real Betis on last August’s transfer deadline day. The £15.5m arrival from Bologna has since proven his worth as their new first-choice right-back, and has earned heaps of plaudits with his performances so far.
Bellerin, meanwhile, has made 27 appearances with Real Betis so far this term and has laid on four assists. Manuel Pellegrini has also sought to manage the 27-year-old’s workload to date, with the full-back only starting six of a possible 17 matches over all cup competitions.
Arsenal set for Real Betis talks at end of season over permanent Bellerin exit
Real Betis have so far opted against holding talks with Arsenal over making Bellerin’s loan transfer permanent. Sporting director Antonio Cordon has recently confirmed that stance to ABC de Sevilla, as well, stating: “We have to wait to see how the season ends.”
Talks will take place in the off-season over a full-time switch, however. Potentially bringing the curtain down on Bellerin’s 11 year association with Arsenal after joining in 2011. But Gunners hero Ian Wright also noted recently how life in Spain has allowed him to reset.
“I am so happy you are happy after being such an unbelievable servant for Arsenal,” he said on his Wrighty’s House Podcast. “To see you go back to a place that is so close to your heart, get revitalised and rejuvenated by the energy and everything that goes on there.”
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