Mikel Arteta named Hector Bellerin as Arsenal captain for their pre-season friendly against Ipswich Town last weekend, despite the defender wanting to leave the club.
The Spanish full-back spent last season out on loan at Real Betis, and many expected the 27-year-old to remain in the La Liga and make a permanent move to a club in his homeland. However, Arteta’s recent decision has raised eyebrows.
Bellerin was pictured in tears after playing his final game at Betis and is keen to move there and work under Manuel Pellegrini on a permanent basis. So to hand the academy product the captain’s armband over first-team regulars has left some scratching their heads and wondering where his future lies.
Ben White, Eddie Nketiah and Cedric Soares were amongst the stars to feature against Ipswich, all of whom played significant roles in Arsenal ’s fifth-placed finish last season. But Arteta putting faith in Bellerin would certainly suggest that his time in North London is not over.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was signed as a first-choice right-back last summer and took to the Premier League like a duck to water. The Japan international thrived under Arteta, and when injury struck his absence was significant.
Soares attempted to step up seamlessly, but the former Southampton star did struggle on occasions, with White shifting into right-back at times instead. Thus, there could be a role for Bellerin if he is willing to sit and, potentially, suffer on the bench at the Emirates Stadium.
But given his age, that his contract expires next year and that he is openly seeking a move, that may not be an option. Betis have registered their interest in the former Watford loanee remaining at the club, but their financial situation means a deal may not be plausible.
Atletico Madrid have also contacted the Arsenal defender as they look to fill the gap on the right side of their defence. Kieran Trippier was allowed to leave the club for Newcastle in the January transfer window, whilst Sime Vrsaljko joined Greek side Olympiakos on a free transfer earlier this summer.
According to Spanish news outlet ElDesmarque, Atletico and Arsenal are in talks over Bellerin – who made 23 league appearances for Betis last season and helped them to victory in the Copa del Rey. Other top European sides have also been linked with the defender, such as Serie A sides Juventus and Roma, and are keeping tabs on how his situation unfolds and if they can capitalise on his expiring deal.
Writing to Betis fans after his loan spell at the club concluded, Bellerin said: “Even if I tried I’m finding it very difficult to express what this year has meant to me. There are no words to describe my feelings, so hopefully, these pictures will help you understand. Thanks to everyone in the Betis universe for helping me fall in love again with this sport, for all your passion and for making me feel like one of your own from the start. You have made me feel like I’ve been a part of this way longer than I have.”
