Betis talks to seal shock deal for Arsenal man who has ‘lost his level’

Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka, Arsenal training kit

Arsenal are seemingly set to allow Hector Bellerin to leave the club this summer – and a surprise transfer to Real Betis looks to be on the cards.

The right-back faded out of Mikel Arteta’s plans towards the end of the season. In fact Bellerin has made only three league appearances since Arsenal were beaten by Manchester City on February 21. The Spaniard was hammered on social media after needlessly kicking the ball out of play against City. And it’s been reported Bellerin is seeking a fresh challenge this summer.

The player has long been linked with AC Milan. As such, it was claimed earlier this month that Bellerin had his heart set on that deal.

However, Bellerin could instead move back to his native Spain with a transfer to Real Betis seemingly looking like an option. According to Fijaches, via Sport WitnessReal Betis president Angel Haro, CEO Jose Miguel Lopez Catalan discussed his signing on Monday. 

It’s claimed they reported the player is seen as an ‘obtainable’ target for Betis. It’s stated there is a belief at Betis that Arsenal will be willing to discuss a sale of a player who has ‘lost his level’ in recent months.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old has been earmaked as a ‘dream signing’ for Manuel Pellegrini, who has enjoyed a good season with Betis.

The Seville-based club finished sixth this season to qualify for the Europa League. As such, plans for the new season are already well underway. They will, however, have to do so without dependable right-back Emerson Royal. He is co-owned by Betis and Barcelona and will move to the Nou Camp this summer, generating Pellegrini’s side €9m in the process.

May 25 Transfer Chatter - Poch to Spurs, all change at Man Utd and Newcastle want to keep Willock

May 25 Transfer Chatter - Poch to Spurs, all change at Man Utd and Newcastle want to keep Willock

Mauricio Pochettino could return to Tottenham, Man Utd are prepared to swap three players for Harry Kane, while Newcastle are determined to keep Arsenal loanee Joe Willock.

And with Bellerin emerging as their No 1 target to replace Royal, there are strong claims the deal will go through.

That’s after the Spanish website claimed Bellerin is open to the move. Indeed, they state he will leave negotiations to his father and his agent Alberto Botines.

And it seems all signs are pointing towards an Emirates Stadium exit for Bellerin this summer.


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Arteta plans to keep Joe Willock

Arteta, meanwhile, has shattered Steve Bruce’s hopes of keeping Joe Willock at Newcastle next season.

The 21-year-old became the youngest player in Premier League history to score in six consecutive appearance as Newcastle defeated Sheffield United 1-0 at St James’ Park this week.

Asked whether Willock will return, Arteta said: “Yes, and I’m really happy that things have gone so well for him. Joe has huge potential.

“I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience. He has grabbed that opportunity in a really remarkable and positive way. He will be back with us, we will have those conversations with him and plan the next years for him.

“And he got the responsibility and the task to go to Newcastle to help them go where they want. I’m telling you that I spoke with the coaching staff. They are extremely happy because he was a key part in contributing to get the objectives that they had. So that’s a real positive for him.”

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