Hector Bellerin has met with Arsenal to request a transfer to Inter Milan this window, according to reports from Italy.

Matteo Moretto reports that Hector Bellerin has spoken with Arsenal and asked to leave the club. He wants to go to Inter Milan as a priority, but it’s up to the clubs to work on the deal and find the best solution.

Di Marzio add that optimism over a move is increasing after Bellerin’s request, but the structure of the deal remains problematic.

This was followed up by reports in Calciomercato and Gazetta dello Sport also saying Bellerin had handed in a transfer request.

Arsenal are open to a loan with an option to buy which becomes an obligation under certain conditions, but Inter only want a loan with an option that has no strings attached.

This is clearly a major issue, as Arsenal are evidently hoping to have a transfer fee as good as guaranteed, whilst Inter want the exact opposite, retaining full control over whether or not they make the move permanent next summer.

It’s going to be difficult for the Gunners to replace Bellerin if they don’t even know whether or not they’re going to get any money for him and next summer he will only have one year left on his Arsenal contract.

For the time being, Bellerin remains with the Arsenal squad. He has joined them for the pre-season trip to Scotland, boarding the plane on Monday.