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Report: Arteta convinced Hector Bellerin to stay last summer, but he could still leave soon

Photo by Visionhaus
Photo by Visionhaus
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According to The Mirror, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a close relationship with Hector Bellerin – but the defender could yet leave.

It’s claimed that Paris Saint-Germain were very keen on signing Bellerin last summer, but Arteta convinced him to stay.

Their ‘very good’ relationship from playing together at Arsenal played a key role in that decision, with Bellerin’s importance no great shock.

The 25-year-old has started 22 Premier League games this season with one goal and two assists to his name, missing just three league games so far.

However, the report claims that Barcelona remain keen on signing Bellerin, despite the ongoing saga surrounding their presidency race.

Joan Laporta wants Bellerin back at Barcelona, 10 years since he left his hometown club – but the presidency race hasn’t yet been decided, so a summer move is unclear.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal talk after the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on January 26, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images)
Photo by Frank Augstein – Pool/Getty Images

Bellerin has been with Arsenal for almost a decade now, and few would blame him for wanting a new challenge – especially if Barcelona are keen on re-signing him.

Still, that relationship with Arteta is strong, and it could prove to be key as Arsenal face interest in the right back this summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal talks to Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images )
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images