Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal has given his thoughts on the saga surrounding the future of Hector Bellerin, and he doesn’t believe he will leave.
The young right-back is strongly linked with a return to his boyhood club Barcelona, and the player himself has refused to play down such reports.
Bellerin recently revealed that his family had left him in London to return to Spain, citing family reasons for their departure, before talking up his love for his former city.
The Catalan giants are also believed to be looking to strengthen in his position this summer, having relied on Sergi Roberto as a makeshift defender in the role this term, but despite a number of reasons to believe Hector could be on his way, his team-mate Monreal claims he isn’t.
“Hector is a good player in any team,” he said.
“Barca are looking for a player in that position and, after his performance for Arsenal, it’s logical Barca would look at him.
“He is a young player, but he shows maturity for his age and he is doing very well at Arsenal.
“He is a very fast player and very focused.
“But what characterises him most is the speed.
“He’s an Arsenal player today and will almost certainly remain there,” he added.
“Hector is a very important player for us and the coach has already told him that.”
When asked if Bellerin had mentioned anything about wanting to leave the Emirates, Monreal said: “He did not tell me anything.”
Is Bellerin hiding his hopes of a move from his team-mates? Will the speculation blow over? Could Arsenal refuse to allow him a move or would it have a negative effect on the squad?
Pat J