Hector Bellerin, who is on loan at Arsenal, will return to the Emirates this summer when his contract with Real Betis expires, according to the president of the Spanish club. The 27-year-old has made an impression for the La Liga side, prompting talk of a permanent move.
Under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, the right-back has made 23 league games, assisted twice, and led them to fifth place. The Spaniard’s contract with the Gunners expires in 2023, and his future remains uncertain, with Cedric Soares and Takehiro Tomiyasu the current options on his flank.
“Any player with a contractual obligation with us, both ways, is our player and is considered our player,” manager Mikel Arteta said of Bellerin. Every plan takes into account the potential [that Bellerin would stay] and how they will integrate into our team.”
The Arsenal manager has a busy summer ahead of him, as he looks to bolster his team with a number of options for the next season. The North London club’s strength in depth has been a particular issue, which could be alleviated with Bellerin’s return.
And, as Betis president Angel Haro confirmed, it appears to be closer to becoming a reality. “Hector is a fanatic player and a really decent person,” he stated through Goal. We had a loan from Arsenal; now he returns to Arsenal, and we’ll see what happens next.
“It’s true that he’s been engrossed in everything about Betis because his parents are also Betis supporters. Hopefully, we’ll run into each other again.” It’s unclear whether or not there will be a comeback.
Should he return to the Emirates, he will compete for the position with Cedric and Tomiyasu, and given his recent poor form and injuries, he could be back in with a shout.
