Arsenal spring Hector Bellerin transfer twist by firmly rejecting Betis plan, as fourth Serie A side join hunt

Arsenal have reportedly refused the idea of Real Betis signing Hector Bellerin on a free transfer, hence opening the full-back up to further interest.

Bellerin, who moved to the Emirates Stadium from Barcelona’s youth ranks in 2011, is still the Gunners’ longest-serving player. However, his future has looked like being away from Arsenal for some time now.

Indeed, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta first brought in Cedric Soares at right-back in January 2020. Takehiro Tomiyasu subsequently followed last summer.

As such, Bellerin became surplus to requirements and moved to Betis on loan this season. Although, he has found a new lease of life at his boyhood club. He has also realised his father’s dream of playing for Betis.

He has therefore made it clear that he wants to sign a long-term deal there, but Arsenal are not making it easy.

Estadio Deportivo reports that Betis had hoped to tempt the Gunners into a free transfer for Bellerin. The Spaniard is entering the final year of his deal, so Arsenal cannot demand a top fee anyway.

However, Bellerin is still under contract in north London. The Gunners therefore want Betis to pay a fee for him.

The player is consequently willing to cut his wages by more than half to help the La Liga club out.

It remains unclear if this new deal route will work, but while the uncertainty lingers, a host of other teams are keen on Bellerin.

Roma, Fiorentina and Inter have all had links with a move for the 27-year-old in the past.

However, Estadio Deportivo now brings Juventus into the mix, with the Turin club latching onto a potential deal.

For now, though, Bellerin’s only focus remains on Betis and he will not give up his dream of signing a long-term contract there unless it really does become unachievable.

Arsenal must let Bellerin go

It has become clear that Arteta has moved on from the idea of Bellerin being a key player in the Arsenal team.

While Cedric and Tomiyasu have signed, the Gunners boss also has eyes on Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey this summer.

The 19-year-old’s arrival would push Bellerin further into the background at Arsenal.

Hector Bellerin wants permanent Real Betis move from Arsenal

Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin wants to make his loan move to Real Betis permanent

As a result, Arsenal should let the Spaniard go this summer – but they must demand a fee.

After all, he is under contract and so they should not be held to ransom by his loan club.