Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has in recent hours rejected a late chance to reunite with Unai Emery amid interest from Villarreal, as he eyes a free deal to Real Betis or Barcelona.
Hector Bellerin snubs Unai Emery reunion after Villarreal approach Arsenal ace
According to TuttoMercatoWEB, Hector Bellerin has in recent hours rejected the chance to reunite with former Arsenal manager Unai Emery at Villarreal. The La Liga outfit held talks with the defender’s agent over a deal, but he is holding out to join Real Betis or Barcelona.
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Bellerin is in ongoing discussions with the Emirates Stadium hierarchy over terminating his contract with the club. He is in the final year of a £110k-a-week deal in north London, and is behind Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Cedric Soares in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
Villarreal hoped his situation with Arsenal would see Bellerin show an interest in reuniting with Emery. The 27-year-old was his compatriot’s first-choice right-back whilst in charge in north London, before rupturing his cruciate knee ligament and missing the next 10 months.
Bellerin would struggle for form upon his return whilst Arteta settled into his position after replacing Emery. He would ultimately lose his place early in 2021 before spending last term on loan to Real Betis. Now, the four-cap international hopes to secure a permanent move.
Real Betis remain Bellerin’s priority ahead of possible Barcelona return
A permanent return to Real Betis remains Bellerin’s priority, despite receiving several bids whilst negotiating his release from Arsenal. He has also already agreed a four-year deal to return to the Benito Villamarin with a reduced salary. Otherwise, he will favour Barcelona.
Xavi Hernandez is open to welcoming Bellerin back to the Camp Nou 11 years after leaving in his youth to join Arsenal. But the Catalan club must first offload Sergino Dest to afford a move for the Gunners graduate, who has now told Villarreal he is not interested in joining.
Wages would not be that much of an issue for Barcelona, as Marca report Bellerin has also informed Camp Nou chiefs he would reduce his salary to join. But a €10m (£8.5m) asking price, as per Estadio Deportivo, has forever been the major hurdle preventing his transfer.
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