Arsenal are unwilling to allow Hector Bellerin to join Real Betis on a free transfer if recent reports from Spain are to be believed.
The talented full-back spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan with the La Liga side, enjoying a solid season with his boyhood club - lifting the Copa del Rey in the process. However, Betis president Angel Haro seemed to suggest that the 27-year-old would be returning to the Emirates Stadium last month.
He said, via Goal: “Hector is a fanatic player and a very good person. It was a loan that we had from Arsenal, now he returns to Arsenal and from then on, we'll see. It is true that he has been very caught up in everything about Betis because, in addition, his parents are Betis fans. Hopefully we cross paths again."
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The Spanish international, who is into the final year of his contract with Arsenal, has also made it no secret of his desire to join Manuel Pellegrini's side on a permanent basis although Betis' financial situation reportedly could make a transfer difficult. Still, Estadio Deportivo have reported that the Gunners are unwilling to let the right-back leave for nothing this summer, something they allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil to do in recent times to offload the duo's high wages.
The north Londoners are said to be keen to receive a transfer fee, with a swap deal also reportedly something they would consider. The same report claims that a number of clubs in Serie A are interested in signing Bellerin, naming Fiorentina, Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus as potential targets.
Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the pacey defender but the player has consistently reiterated that Betis is the only club he has his sights on. "I have made my position clear to both clubs," Bellerin told Betis TV last month.
"Now we have two months to get the best deal for all three parties. I have always said, I made an effort to come here and I am willing to make every effort to keep it going because it is my home and I am happy.
"It is also true that I had very nice moments in London, in England. Arsenal has given a lot, the opportunity to be a professional. If I leave, it will be difficult, but hopefully everything goes as we want."
