Hector Bellerin is to be rewarded for a fabulous breakthrough campaign with Arsenal.
Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin is closing in on a new long-term contract following his impressive breakthrough campaign in North London, the Daily Mail report.
The 20-year-old right-back followed in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas by joining the Gunners four years ago, trading the Barcelona academy for a new adventure in the English capital.
After impressing in the youth teams, Bellerin was thrust into the Arsenal first-team this season owing to a so-called injury crisis which also saw Nacho Monreal switch to centre-back.
A nightmare first-half at Stoke City in December ensued, but it wasn’t long until he began showing his potential in the absence of Mathieu Debuchy who picked up a long-term injury last summer.
Bellerin featured 20 times in the Premier League over the course of the campaign, impressive observers and ultimately sparking speculation of a potential Barcelona return, as per a report in the Mirror.
However, the Gunners are seemingly confident of tying their talented right-back down to a new, long-term deal and fresh reports in the Daily Mail state an agreement is close.
Who will be the club’s number one right-back next season?
Aside from Bellerin and Debuchy, fellow youngster Calum Chambers is also an option and he proved his ability to be versatile last season, performing well in a number of positions at the back.
However, the former Southampton star is a natural centre-back and his focus will likely be switched to fighting Per Mertsesacker and Laurent Koscielny for a spot in the middle.
Of the two natural right-backs, Debuchy has much more experience and has proven to be solid fullback at Newcastle United. However, Bellerin’s speed and forward play arguably makes him the better candidate.
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