ESPN reporter Mattias Karen thinks Arsenal should cash in on Hector Bellerin if they get the chance, and invest in a more ‘defensively-oriented’ replacement.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Karen argued that Arsenal should ignore the fact that the defender has committed his long term future to the Gunners, and sell him to his old club Barcelona.

“If Barcelona come back with another offer for Hector Bellerin, I think that’s something they should consider,” he admitted. “Maybe buy a right-back who is more defensively-oriented than Bellerin is.”

Bellerin has a contract to 2023 with Arsenal, so there’s certainly no pressure on the club to sell if they don’t want to. The only reason to do so would be if the hierarchy thinks they could get a better replacement with the money they bring in.

Honestly, I don’t share the opinion that that’s a strong possibility. Bellerin’s defensive work is very underrated, and people often seem to confuse his struggles putting a decent ball into the box with an ability to defend.

The Spaniard hasn’t had the best season, but he was very much overplayed as the club completely lack a half-decent alternative. Plus he only turned 23 years old in March, that’s very young for a defender. Especially one with as much experience as he has.

Finally, I just want to point out the scarcity of full-backs on the market at the moment. There’s a reason so many clubs are struggling with the position, and playing wingers instead. If Arsenal don’t have someone in mind already, they’d be mad to let Bellerin leave.