Hector Bellerin remains an Arsenal player rather surprisingly as the season prepares to kick-off. Arsenal will take on Crystal Palace on Friday whilst Real Betis, the club the Spaniard has been primarily linked with a return to, still have two weeks before La Liga begins and they host Elche.
There was a place on the bench for Hector Bellerin on Saturday for the Emirates Cup clash with Sevilla. Although the 27-year-old remained an unused substitute whilst Cedric Soares, the current second-choice Arsenal right-back, came on for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Folarin Balogun and Bernd Leno were both absent. This is relevant because the pair appear close to exits to both Reims (on loan) and Fulham respectively.
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Bellerin’s inclusion looks like an indication that any potential exit is not close at this stage. Real Betis’ financial restrictions have made finding an agreement with Arsenal difficult.
football.london understands that whilst Arsenal’s position on a contract termination hasn’t been ruled out, they would prefer of course to get a transfer fee. Arsenal have been ruthless in the market with Edu describing the termination of previous players’ deals as ‘investments’.
“I know it hurts, I know it’s strange when I go to the board and say: 'Sometimes it’s better to pay a player to leave, than maintain them.' But I consider it an investment,” Edu told football.london. “Sometimes people say: 'It’s expensive'. I say: 'No, it’s investment.' But someone will pay if you sell? No, guys - if the player is above 26, 27 and not performing, big salary, no chance.”
Yet despite this, Arsenal would want to be in a position to improve their reputation regarding sales and the continuation of contract terminations will not help this position. Talks though are continuing despite the apparent stalemate with Bellerin, his camp and the club.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque have reported that Bellerin’s camp have told them, “We keep talking.” Arsenal are likely to field Ben White against Palace at right back on Friday with Takehiro Tomiyasu still going through rehabilitation but is expected to return soon.
Cedric Soares will be the likely full-back cover on the bench. The Portuguese can play on either flank, a trait Arteta appreciates massively.
Therefore, Bellerin is unlikely to make the trip to south London. As the window ticks down to the final weeks and days of it’s tenure, Arsenal could be forced to make a decision they didn’t want to, time will tell.
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