Arsenal are yet to hold talks with Real Betis about turning Hector Bellerin’s loan deal into a permanent move, but that is something that is likely to be explored at some point.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say there is a ‘willingness to negotiate’ from both sides regarding the full-back.
Bellerin joined his boyhood club on loan in the summer when it was made clear he had no future at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta.
After something of a rocky start, he’s established himself as a key player under Manuel Pellegrini, helping the side to third in La Liga and the Europa League play-offs.
It would make sense for both sides to explore a permanent deal then, but with no clause in the current loan deal, that will mean negotiations are required this summer.
According to Estadio’s information, there have not yet been talks on that matter, but there is a ‘good predisposition to negotiate’ from both sides.
The big problem will be Arsenal’s demands financially, which are likely to be an issue for Betis as they are in a ‘delicate’ financial situation and can’t sanction high-cost acquisitions at this moment in time.
There is also competition from elsewhere for the Spaniard’s signature, with other teams also seeing him as a ‘very interesting asset’ for the future.
Bellerin, though, only has eyes for Betis. They are his boyhood club, hence why he chose them in the summer and Estadio report he is ‘very happy’ at the club, barely misses London despite spending ten years there and has had a ‘very easy adaptation’ to life in La Liga.
All of this is likely to make him want to stay and facilitate a permanent move from Arsenal if possible, which could be helped by the fact his current deal with the Gunners expires in 2023.
That will leave them needing to sell next summer or risk losing him on a free, paving the way for Betis and Bellerin to work out a deal that suits them both.
