Arsenal have "torpedoed" talks over an exit for right-back Hector Bellerin this summer, according to reports. The Spaniard spent the previous season on loan at Real Betis, impressing in his time with the La Liga club.
However, his return to the Emirates leaves plenty of questions surrounding his future, with just one year remaining on his deal in north London. The 27-year-old, should he stay, would also have the task of overcoming both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares for a first-team spot on a regular basis.
It has seen a dramatic change in fortune for Bellerin, who was once a guaranteed name on the team sheet every week. Since breaking through the academy, the full-back has managed 239 appearances for Arsenal, winning three FA Cups and three Community Shields.
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Once a fan favourite, the defender is looking on the brink of an exit in the next year at the very least. His loan spell to Betis may have seen him find a new home, becoming liked by the supporters there as well as winning the Copa del Rey, as they beat Valencia in the final on penalties.
While there have been talks over a return, it appears as though there are stumbling blocks surrounding the move. That's because according to AS, via Sports Witness, the Spanish club are unable to pay a fee for Bellerin while they struggle to move on players to improve their finances.
The report claims the Gunners "torpedoed" talks with a lack of progress, despite the defender being willing to take a pay cut to make the move permanent. It remains to be seen whether the Spanish side can raise the funds to secure a return for Bellerin.
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