The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has recently provided an update on the future of Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin as he claims that Paris Saint-Germain are in talks to land him this summer. It is believed that the Gunners are keen on retaining his services but would be open to selling him for the right price as it will help them generate some money for incoming transfers in this off-season (via The Athletic).
PSG approach Arsenal to sign Hector Bellerin & clubs now in dialogue. #AFC would like to keep him but will sell for right price. 25yo open to new challenge if deal struck. Could provide vital cash for targets. Details + Ceballos, AMN & more @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/pvg1QeLydS
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2020
Bellerin’s Growing Frustrations At The Emirates Stadium Last Season
Bellerin had to endure an injury-hit campaign at North London after missing out on a lot of matches due to a cruciate ligament rupture and later, a hamstring problem. The Badalona-born full-back played in 25 games for the London giants last season, picking up one goal and two assists in all competitions.
The three-time Spanish international refused to give up without a fight even when the going got tough for him in the previous campaign. The 25-year-old did well to average 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League. He even took care of the ball well as evident from his pass completion rate of 82.5% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Since graduating from Arsenal’s academy, Bellerin has gone on to win three FA Cups with the North London club. However, he is yet to taste success in European football, which is why he should welcome the opportunity to join a top European club like PSG this summer.
What Are The Spanish Right-Back’s Best Attributes?
Bellerin is one of the quickest full-backs in English football and has developed a habit of making some dangerous runs with the ball down the right flank. He is not shy of making some well-timed tackles at the back so that he can earn possession back for his side. The Spaniard can also read the game well and is proficient at snuffing out the danger when his teammates are being stretched on the counter. He can even pull off a few crucial last-ditch clearances, but only time will tell whether he can overcome his injury problems in the coming seasons.
Should The Gunners Cash In On Bellerin This Summer?
Mikel Arteta has currently got Cédric Soares and Callum Chambers as his only other right-back options other than Bellerin. Therefore, Arsenal can afford to entertain the possibility of the Spanish talent’s departure even if they have no replacement lined up for him this summer.
The Gunners should consider cashing in on Bellerin so that they can fund a move for someone like Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey, who has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time this summer. At 25, the ex-Barcelona starlet is currently enjoying the prime years of his playing career, so this summer could be the perfect chance for him to make a change in his career.
