A stalemate has emerged between both Arsenal and Real Betis regarding the potential departure of Hector Bellerin. Despite interest and enquiries from other clubs, the full-back has only one destination in mind, Betis.
With one year remaining on his deal, Arsenal want to make some money on the player’s departure. However, with the La Liga side in financial peril, they are hoping that the Gunners terminate the full-back’s contract.
This has not been uncommon with Arsenal considering under technical director Edu. The Brazilian has cancelled a number of high-profile contracts after reaching a financial agreement with the players and their next clubs. Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left without receiving a fee.
READ MORE: Albert Sambi Lokonga has made Arsenal decision amid AC Milan interest in highly-rated midfielder
In a recent chat with football.london , Edu described these decisions as 'investments'. Citing the importance of moving on unwanted talent as a key part of the club's overhaul.
"If you imagine, 'Oh, no problem: this season we're going to expose the player a little bit more, and then we sell them' — no, be realistic," he says. "You don't want to sell the player (but you have to) try to avoid one more year with the problem inside, in the dressing room, expensive, not performing.
"Clean, take it out. Even I'm sorry if you have to pay. To leave is better. Because that guy is sometimes also blocking someone.
"Take it out. 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.
"Sometimes people say, 'It's expensive' I say, 'no, it's an investment'. But someone will pay if you sell? No, guys — if the player is above 26, 27 and not performing, big salary, no chance."
However, Edu has been handed a £5m ultimatum by Betis with Bellerin. The Spanish club are holding as firm as the Gunners on their position, according to El Desmarque.
At present, were the window to end with the situation unchanged, Bellerin would stay in north London, and Arsenal would have to pay the remaining salary owed before he leaves for free the following summer. Or potentially earlier in January.
It is evident that despite the willingness to invest in cancelling deals before, Edu is determined to try and gain some financial reward for future deals and not make the terminations of the past become a recurring theme. He has managed to get some investment from player sales this summer but not much.
Matteo Guendouzi, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Lucas Torreira and Bernd Leno have all left permanently for figures below the £10 million mark despite all being arguably worth more. However, the market determines the value, and with little-to-no interest in Arsenal's surplus players, Edu's hands have been somewhat tied.
Earning any fee for Bellerin would be a positive step. The will club hope the sales department's record will improve dramatically in the coming years.
READ NEXT:
Pino starts, Jesus focal - Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal attack with Odegaard and Smith Rowe fit
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Stan Kroenke and Mikel Arteta sent contrasting message as Arsenal transfer approach is justified
Pablo Mari exit, Gabriel Martinelli admission, Yeremy Pino 'interest', Sandro Tonali links
