Hector Bellerin looks like he could be on his way out of Arsenal in the near future, with a number of reports linking him with the exit door.
The full-back joined from Barcelona as a 16 year-old, and after working his way through the ranks, is now a key member of our first-team squad.
Bellerin earned a place in last season’s Premier League Team of the Year, before getting a late call-up to the Spain international squad for the European Championships, and has since come under praise from European giants and former club Barcelona.
Arsenal were claimed to have set their asking price for the young star, which struck alarm bells for me, as it was of my belief that we were no longer selling our best players following the completion of payment on the Emirates Stadium.
More recent reports are talking up his willingness to join Pep Guardiola at the Etihad however, with the City club said to have failed in a bid to sign Hector in the summer, while the very latest claims are that the Spanish defender is set to snub us in order to seal a move.
Bellerin is believed to be in line for a six-figure contract at Arsenal, but he seems to have become disillusioned with life in North-London, and could be set to force his way out of the club.
The full-back was one of our best performers last season, but has stood out much less so far this year, and the interest could well be proving to be a distraction.
Should we do all we can to keep Bellerin despite his wishes? Or is it more important to simply make sure he does not leave to join a league rival?
Pat J
How could he be disillusioned at being given the opportunity to be first choice right back for the side that finished 2nd last season and receiving so much praise for his performances?
The fans love him, Wenger clearly rates him so how could he be anything other than happy at the club?
There’s plenty of Spanish speakers at the club, he’s living in London, which compared to Manchester might as well be Spain! I think it’s the media making up a story, or at least exaggerating it.
He should leave at his own peril with the use and dump syndrome of Barcelona at the back of his mind. Cesc should tell him more.
If Bellerin does leave in the near future, it wouldn’t come as a shock. He’s well on the way to becoming a top player, and players of that quality usually leave Arsenal in search of trophies or/and higher wages.
For any that are thinking of leaving, I would say to them, at least stay for next season, and see how we get on with our new manager. If we get a manager of Simeone’s quality, then we really have a great chance of league and Champions League success next season. We may not pay the highest of wages (although Arsenal are very competitive), but winning major trophies or at least competing for them, is hugely important for keeping your best players. Arsenal have been awful in Europe, and the league for a long time now, so one can understand why players may want to leave or when top players are stalling on new contracts.
simeone is poison.. not quality
If Bellerin really wanted to move away from Arsenal he would have kicked up a stink during the Summer, When Barcelona and Man City both inquired about him.
And to be fair to the player, he actually stated that he was happy at Arsenal and had no intention of leaving any time soon.
None of us know what the future holds but if Arsenal do manage to win the premier league or champions league or even both this season lol I doubt that any of our stars would want to leave.
Maybe it is time for the club to pay all our key players the wages that they deserve, yet cap it around the £250,000 mark.
I hate international breaks…not only because there is no club football but also because the media comes up with these bs rumours to wind us up. Just let us endure the international break in peace
Iwobi should be given 10 years contract now to avoid this kind of drama he will be the next big star. But for him I know he won’t leave as he’s a Nigerian. Arsenal F C is well loved there and he is very close to Kanu and his uncle Jay Jay who is an Arsenal sympathizer
Hector should remember the past and negotiate a good deal with us.
Bellerin signed a new contract in july 2015, believed to be for four years. He has given every indication that he is happy at arsenal.
The media know that pep was at barcelona when bellerin was there, manc have lots of money so the media make up a story to fit the facts.
With regard to barcelona, I suspect they have started a charm offensive, starting with the president making favouable comments, barcelona players being friendly to bellerin on international duty etc. If they can persuade bellerin that he wants to move to barcelona and only barcelona then they can get a bargain. I suspect this is a long term strategy and they will see how it goes, it costs them nothing and may result in a big benefit to them.
With regard to the media reports I suspect it is the usual media made up rubbish. As for reports that arsenal have set an asking price for Bellerin, I do not believe that at all, that would signal that we are willing to sell and would certainly unsettle bellerin.
Our best response is to start winning things like the PL or at least be a serious challenger right to the end of the season. Beating top teams over two legs in europe would help, particularly Barcelona.