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Football London
Football London
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Luke Thrower

Defender on his way to Arsenal to compete with Cedric as club president confirms player decision

Arsenal loanee Hector Bellerin is set to return to the Emirates this summer after his spell at Real Betis ends, confirmed the Spanish club’s president. The 27-year-old has impressed for the La Liga side, with suggestions over a potential permanent switch.

The right-back has managed 23 appearances in the league, assisting twice and guiding them to fifth under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. The Spaniard’s deal runs out with the Gunners in 2023, with question marks hanging over his future, with Cedric Soares and Takehiro Tomiyasu the current choices on his flank.

Manager Mikel Arteta had revealed that he is planning around Bellerin next season already: “Any player with a contractual obligation with us, both ways, is our player and is considered our player. Every plan considers that possibility [that Bellerin could stay] exists and how they can fit into our team."

READ MORE: Arsenal drop early Everton team news hint as four vital players miss first-team training

The Gunners boss has a huge summer ahead of him, looking ahead to strengthen his squad with a number of options for the upcoming campaign. One particular problem for the North London outfit has been strength in depth, something that could be aided by having Bellerin back.

And that seems closer to being a reality, as confirmed by Betis president Angel Haro. 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." It remains to be seen whether a return would be on the cards.

However, should he appear at the Emirates again, he will be fighting with Cedric and Tomiyasu for the position, and given the mixture of poor form and injuries as of late, he could be back in with a shout.

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