Real Betis director Antonio Cordon has become the latest member of the Betis hierarchy to talk up Hector Bellerin’s affections for the club with the Spaniards unable to afford him.

Real Betis' Spanish defender Hector Bellerin reacts while sitting on the pitch at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Granada FC at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Betis’ Spanish defender Hector Bellerin reacts while sitting on the pitch at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Granada FC at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to the media this week, Real Betis director Antonio Cordon claimed Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is “in love” with the Spanish side, though he admitted the defender is currently with his parent club.

“Hector Bellerin? He’s in love with Betis,” Cordon said. “He’s now back at Arsenal and we will see what happens, he knows our situation.”

This follows comments from Betis president Angel Haro, who suggested they want to bring the 27-year-old back.

“Hector is a fantastic player and a very good person,” Haro said. “It was a loan that we had from Arsenal, now he returns to Arsenal and from then on, we’ll see.

“It is true that he has been very caught up in everything about Betis because, in addition, his parents are Betis fans. Hopefully, we cross paths again.”

Bellerin’s loan teammates have been joking that they’ll need to open a crowdfunding page to sign the Arsenal player this summer.

Speaking to the media himself, Bellerin admitted he’s ready to make an effort to stay with Betis.

“At the moment, I have to go back (to Arsenal),” Bellerin said. “I have already spoken with the two clubs and I have made my position clear.

“Now we have a few months where we hope that the best will come out for the three parties.

“I made an effort to come (to Betis) and I am willing to make another effort to stay because I am happy.

“In London, I have also had great moments and it has given me a lot and I take it very much into account. They gave me the opportunity and it is also difficult to leave Arsenal, if it happens.”

Real Betis' Spanish defender Hector Bellerin runs on the pitch during the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Granada FC at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Betis’ Spanish defender Hector Bellerin runs on the pitch during the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Granada FC at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to his YouTube channel, Goal’s Charles Watts recently reported that people close to Hector Bellerin have given him the impression he won’t be returning to Arsenal.

As things stand, all parties are working towards his exit.

Real Betis are Bellerin’s primary destination on a permanent deal, and they want to keep him.

But Watts believes Arsenal won’t get the £15m sometimes quoted for the defender, with €5-10m a more likely fee.

Speaking on Radio Marca, Cordon said, “Today these are two very difficult options for Betis [Bellerin and Dani Ceballos].

“I want to be very frank… right now we cannot face this type of situation. Anything that involves signing is a risk.

“I think it is the main creating this structure and commitment from everyone.”