The supposed long standing Barcelona target Hector Bellerin has been linked with a return to his hometown continually despite signing a very long term contract just 18 months ago, and yet again he has ended all speculation regarding his future and told Arsenal he is staying at the Emirates.
Since bursting onto the scene with the Gunners in 2015, the Spain international defender has been heavily been linked with a move back to the Spanish giants, with reports they believe Bellerin to be a suitable long-term option for Barca’s right-back berth.
The Italian giants Juventus and Premier League rivals Manchester United have also been linked with possible deals, with speculation on his future never quite dying down.
But despite all the speculation regarding his future and the criticism he picked up for some of his performances last season, he has given the club a big boost by rubbishing speculation that he is ready to pack his bags and head back home to Spain.
“It is crazy that people ask me these questions all the time,” he was quoted on the Sky Sports website.
“A few years ago I signed a very long-term contract. I have never said that I have wanted to be anywhere else.
“I am very happy in London. I am very happy at this club.
“The club have made me who I am and gave me the chance to be the footballer I am today. So I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
So can we now stop linking Hector with a return to his old club at last?
Emery has done some wonderful transfer business this summer, with Bernd Leno, Sokratis and Lucas Torreira the stand-out signings for the Spaniard, although Guendouzi has also been very impressive this week and Lichtsteiner looked great at the World cup too
But there is no point bringing in new faces to the squad, as they simply cant adapt to the pace, intensity and physicality the Premier League provides.
So keeping hold of the clubs biggest players will be the best transfer business of the summer for Arsenal, as it gives stability to a club that is going through a big time change.
And it also gives Bellerin the chance to prove his worth to the Gunners fans, having let himself and the club down during the final months of Arsene Wenger.
IC