Arsenal have told Hector Bellerin he’s free to leave this summer with Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination, as reported by Sport.
You’d have got long odds a few months ago on forgotten man Calum Chambers replacing Bellerin as Mikel Arteta’s first choice right-back.
But, while the long-serving Spain international struggles to rediscover his pre-injury form, Chambers has seized a rare opportunity with both hands, producing the latest in a long line of stand-out displays in last week’s 4-0 Europa League thrashing of Slavia Prague.
Bellerin has started just one of the past seven Premier League fixtures as Chambers goes from strength to strength.
And, according to reports coming out of his homeland, a summer exit looks increasingly likely for a player who joined Arsenal’s academy a decade ago.
Sport claims the Gunners have given Bellerin the green light to leave, allowing the long-serving defender to look for a new start elsewhere.
French champions PSG are at the front of the queue as it stands. Leonardo, the club’s sporting director, has been in talks with Bellerin’s agent, although Le Parisiens seem unwilling to pay the £23 million Arsenal want.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will enter the market for a new right-back of their own or whether Arteta will put his faith in Chambers long-term.
Cedric Soares has endured an inconsistent campaign in north London while doubts persist about the future of the versatile Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who’s impressing in his favoured central midfield berth on loan at West Brom.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
