Arsenal are willing to sanction a loan deal for Hector Bellerin to join Inter Milan, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Serie A champions are increasing their efforts to acquire a replacement for Achraf Hakimi. Paris Saint-Germain are keen to add the Moroccan to Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but the Nerazzurri must rejuvenate their entire defence this summer.
Chairman Giuseppe Marotta and Sporting Director Piero Ausilio are focusing on finding Hakimi’s successor before targeting a left-back and centre-half. His exit will raise €73m (£63m), although only €15m (£13m) of that will be made available for any transfers.
Given Inter’s shortage of available funds, the San Siro outfit have ramped up their efforts to sign Arsenal defender Bellerin. Simone Inzaghi’s side have already contacted the Spaniard to sound out his interest in a move to Italy this summer.
But have now been given a boost, as Arsenal are happy to loan Bellerin to Inter for the 2021/22 season. However, there is no mention of an option or obligation to buy the 26-year-old, whose £110,000-per-week contract expires in 2023.
Prior reports by Gianluca Di Marzio had suggested Inter would ask to sign Bellerin, who Arsenal value at €20m (£17m), with an option to buy next summer. Although it was not suggested whether or not Mikel Arteta’s north Londoners would accept the offer.
Arsenal risk millions with Bellerin to Inter on loan
Arsenal risk millions falling off Bellerin’s value if he joins Inter on loan without an option to buy. The Spaniard would return to the Emirates next year with 12-months left on his contract, leaving Arteta to decide between a new deal or a last-ditch sale.
Bellerin playing well at the San Siro could also raise issues upon his return to north London. He may feel confident that his efforts with Inter demand a pay rise, which the Gunners may oppose. But more pressingly, the loan would deprive Arteta of an option he has praised.
The Arsenal boss sang Bellerin’s praises in November, via The Sun: “He is always willing to pay that confidence back, that respect back and that loyalty back. It is something you need in our dressing room because at the end of the day that is the habit of this football club.”
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