Atletico Madrid have joined Real Betis in the chase for Hector Bellerin with the defender tipped to leave Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer.
The Gunners have opened talks over a move for the right-back, who spent last season on loan with Betis. Earlier reports had suggested Bellerin would be willing to waive the final year of his Arsenal salary in order to force through a Betis move, but nothing has been agreed with Manuel Pellegrini's side thus far.
The Barcelona-born defender has played more than 200 times for Arsenal since joining from his hometown club as a teenager. However, after being allowed to return to Spain on loan last term, he looks set for a permanent La Liga switch.
According to El Desmarque, Atleti and Arsenal have made contact over a potential move. The publication claims the 2020-21 La Liga champions have opened talks with the club and with the player's agent, casting doubt on Bellerin's next move.
Diego Simeone's side are still on the lookout for reinforcements at right-back after losing Kieran Trippier. The England international had spent two and a half seasons at the Wanda Metropolitano, but left in January to join Newcastle United.
Bellerin has already informed Arsenal of his desire to leave, with Betis having been his preferred destination up to this point. He is thought to have preferred Betis to interest from Serie A, but Atleti's interest is a new development.
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"I am eternally grateful to all the Betis fans for your encouragement, your passion and for making us enjoy this triumph even more thanks to your support," Bellerin wrote on Instagram in April after helping the team win the Copa Del Rey. "For those of you who are here and for those who were here, long live Betis!"
Mirror Football exclusively revealed at the time that Betis were keen to make the loan move permanent. However, financial hold-ups have seem Atletico reportedly enter the picture.
Arsenal have predominantly used 2021 signing Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back in Bellerin's absence, with Cedric Soares filling in for the Japan international when needed. And, with the Gunners spending big for a second successive summer, the club may be keen to maximise the fees they can recoup for those who, like Bellerin, are expendable.
The arrival of Gabriel Jesus will take Arsenal's summer spending above £80m as Mikel Arteta's team prepare for Europa League football on top of their domestic responsibilities. The Brazilian is due to join fellow arrivals Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner once his move from Manchester City is made official.
