Arsenal star’s exit sealed amid secret pact made in showdown Arteta talks
Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin is likely to leave this summer as part of an agreement made with manager Mikel Arteta made last year, according to a report.
The 25-year-old stayed in north London last summer despite Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest.
ESPN reports that the Spaniard wanted to take up a move back to his home country or to France.
However, after holding talks with Arteta, Bellerin agreed to offer one more year of service to the Gunners.
As such, he is likely to make a move this summer. Despite having over two years left on his deal, Arsenal chiefs feel that the landmark of 10 years at the club will be the right time for Bellerin to seek pastures new.
ESPN adds, though, that there are no ‘open discussions’ between the right-back and the club over his exit.
What’s more, unlike last summer, he could find a new club hard to come by.
Barcelona signed Sergino Dest from Ajax for £23.8million in October, while PSG have the option to make Alessandro Florenzi’s loan move from Roma permanent for £7.8million.
Bellerin and his fellow Spaniard Arteta have a strong bond at Arsenal, the report adds.
Indeed, their relationship proved crucial in the club forcing through a 12.5 per cent wage cut at the height of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic last April.
Bellerin moved to Arsenal from Barcelona’s La Masia academy and made his debut in September 2013.
Since then, he has proved a key leader, also serving as a key player. He has made 232 appearances, chipping in with nine goals and 29 assists.
Odegaard set to join Bellerin in leaving
Meanwhile, reports claim that Real Madrid are planning to bring midfielder Martin Odegaard back to the club in the summer.
The 22-year-old has impressed since moving to north London on loan. Odegaard himself admitted that he would be open to making his move to England permanent.
However, fresh speculation claims that Madrid have got what they wanted by sending the player to north London.
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