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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Real Betis ‘still not negotiating’ with Arsenal over permanent move for Hector Bellerin

Real Betis are yet to speak to Arsenal over a permanent move for Hector Bellerin.

The defender moved to the La Liga club on loan in August, though the deal does not include a permanent option to buy.

Bellerin, who left Barcelona’s academy to join Arsenal at the age of 16, has since made it clear he does not wish to return to the club, where replacement Takehiro Tomiyasu has impressed.

Since, he has started 19 of 29 La Liga games this season under the stewardship of former Manchester City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellergrini.

Currently, Betis sit in fifth place, four points off of champions Atletico Madrid in the final Champions League spot.

Bellerin’s Arsenal contract expires in the summer of 2023 and has previously spoken of the emotional connection with Betis, with his father a supporter of the club.

Speaking to ABC Sevilla, sporting director Antonio Cordon revealed Betis were waiting until the end of the season before broaching the subject of a permanent move.

“We are still not negotiating with Arsenal, and we haven’t spoken about the future. We have to wait to see how we finish the season.”

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