Arsenal are in the middle of a deep trench after losing 7 games in 2018 already and being embarrassed by Manchester City a third time over the course of the season. It was only expected that some players might be looking for the exit door to escape the incompetence of the North London club. Hector Bellerin is reported to be leading the wantaway list with heavy interests from Juventus and Barcelona pouring in for the 22-year-old right-back.
This is a bit of conflicting news especially after hearing the Spaniard admit to being satisfied with his current scenario after signing a contract extension back in November 2016. He said, ”I’m really, really happy and this club is my home right now. I’ve been here for more than five years now so I was really, really excited when the club told me that they wanted to extend my contract. I wasn’t thinking about anything else other than staying here and continuing my development here. This is where I’m happy. I’m just very grateful and pleased to have signed.”
Now it looks like the 22-year-old’s mind has been changed due to a frustrating period the club is going through. Bellerin’s obligation to the Gunners is set to run till the summer of 2023 and Arsene Wenger would be hesitant to let go of the Spaniard especially without a quality replacement option.
Alex Maitland-Niles is more of an offensive player who has been utilised on the left-wing-back position on a few occasions but the 20-year-old still has ways to go before he can feature on a regular basis.
Bellerin arrived in North London in the summer of 2011 and signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in July 2013. He worked his way through the youth ranks to flourish for the senior team after spending a season out on loan to Watford.
Bacary Sagna’s exit to Manchester City put Wenger on the spot with Karl Jenkinson struggling to match the standards of the Premier League. Bellerin met the challenge head on an ever since has been the first choice to appear in the backline and has racked up 150 appearances so far.
He is an integral part of the North London club whose services cannot be sacrificed at any cost. Arsenal’s season can still be salvaged by winning the Europa League trophy and Bellerin will play a key part in that chase.
With the club low on morale, Bellerin is one of the adept figures in the team who will be called upon to resurrect the club’s status. The future of the club depends on quality players like the Spaniard and losing him will be another massive blow.
