by Lewis Ambrose

Last season provided Héctor Bellerín with his breakthrough into the Arsenal first-team and maybe we should reserve some thanks for former midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas, now of Chelsea, was a big inspiration and reason to come to London, Bellerín told FourFourTwo magazine.

The defender broke into the Arsenal first-team thanks to injuries as the squad became thinner when Mathieu Debuchy was injured and Calum Chambers was required at centre-back.

The performances of the Spaniard earned him his place full-time and he has since seen off both Chambers and Debuchy to become Arsène Wenger’s first choice.

Bellerín said Fabregas is to thank for his move to London.

“Cesc was a big inspiration. To see someone who made the same move and success, for me it was very important to see that happen,” said Bellerín speaking at the launch of the new Arsenal home kit.

“It was an important move for me, moving away from my family and friends and my city.

“But to see someone has succeeded as I said was really important and he showed that if you work hard, if you want it enough, you will always have a chance.

That chance has been expertly taken and though he will only get better the 20 year-old is taking nothing for granted.

“I know it is going to be really hard because Debuchy’s back and I don’t know whether Carl [Jenkinson] is going to be back.”

Jenkinson impressed at West Ham United last season and could yet remain at Emirates Stadium for the next campaign.

“At the beginning of last season I thought my season was going to be totally different to what it was so when you ask me how I think it is going to be, I simply don’t know.

“All I will do is work hard and try to cement my place in the starting XI.”

At the end of the day, that’s all he can do.

Héctor Bellerín had a fantastic first season in the Arsenal first-team, and will be looking to consolidate his place next year.

He has all the ability, and the attitude, to do so. Arsenal have a fantastic young player on their hands.