Hector Bellerin is set to defy Arsene Wenger’s wishes and play with the Spanish 21 side this summer.

Arsene Wenger has already said that he would prefer Bellerin didn’t take part in the u21 tournament this summer, especially as he’s been carrying an ankle knock and has struggled for large parts of this season.

“I really want to play,” Bellerin told IB Times.

“Representing Spain is very important. If [Albert] Celades gives me the chance, I’ll be there.

“Those are opinions of the managers. I have to keep working. The truth is that I had a difficult injury but I think that I am at 100% now and I’ll try to prove it when I get the chance.”

The u21 Euros take place in Poland this summer. “It’s not ideal after a long season,” Wenger said when asked about Bellerin travelling with Spain Under-21s.

“He should have a rest and prepare for next season. The Spanish players love to play for their country and I think he will go as he loves to play for Spain.

“He has not come back to his level since he has been injured,” Wenger continued.

“I think (he has been feeling the ankle) for a while. Then you get bad habits and you forget that your job first is to defend and win challenges because you protect yourself a little bit.

“Then you realise you have to come back and I think now he is trying to focus on again what is important, to defend well and after he can give us that extra bit that is important as well.

“I agree that for a while he was not the Hector Bellerin we had seen at the start of the season.”

Bellerin has not been selected to start since Arsenal made the switch to a back three, despite most people believing he is a player who was born to play the role of a wingback.

“With the change of the formation there are other players who also have the opportunity to do well,” Bellerin admitted.

“[Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain has proven it [against City] and he has done it very well. Now I am waiting for my chance.”