Two teams battling to lure £50m Arsenal star back to home country

Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are set to go head-to-head to give Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin his first chance to play in his home country’s top flight.

Bellerin, who was born in Barcelona and came through the famous La Masia academy there, has spent his entire professional career in England, making nearly 200 appearances for Arsenal.

With a contract until 2023, Bellerin has every chance of increasing that tally significantly – unless he decides to quit the Emirates Stadium early.

According to Marca, three clubs are interested in taking Bellerin back to mainland Europe, with two of those based within his home country.

The 25-year-old is linked with both Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, two sides who have been pushing for a Champions League place this season.

Atletico brought in English right-back Kieran Trippier from Tottenham Hotspur last summer but could seek another reinforcement for the position, while Sevilla do not have anyone of a prime age to play there – with former Manchester City player Jesus Navas 34 years old and his backup Alejandro Pozo just 21.

It is not a foregone conclusion that Spain will be Bellerin’s next destination, though, with Italian giants Inter Milan also asking for information about the one-time Watford loanee.

Bellerin is believed to be open to the idea of returning to Spain, even though he has reached a position of seniority at Arsenal.

Last summer, Atletico were linked before opting to sign Trippier, with Bellerin said to be valued at around £50m at the time.