NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal is challenged by Christoph Daferner and Johannes Geis of 1. FC Nuernberg during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal F.C. at Max-Morlock-Stadion on July 08, 2022. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Arsenal demand fee as player pushes for contract termination

Aug 11, 2022

Arsenal still want to secure a fee for Hector Bellerin’s transfer, despite a meeting with the player’s agent reportedly concerning a contract termination.

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)

Various reports this week claimed Hector Bellerin’s representative had flown into London for a meeting with Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the agent met with the Arsenal board on Tuesday morning hoping to agree a contract termination, with Bellerin asking to return to Real Betis.

But James Benge reports that there’s no movement yet on Bellerin’s future, and Arsenal are still looking to secure a fee for him.

The problem is Betis’ financial situation, as it appears unlikely they’ll have much to offer for the right-back.

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Bellerin is evidently not in real contention to play for Arsenal this season. Though he played some part in pre-season, he wasn’t even in the squad to face Crystal Palace on Friday.

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)

Mikel Arteta has plenty of options at right-back now. Takehiro Tomiyasu is probably the first choice when he’s fit, but Ben White has been playing in the position lately.

Then there’s Cedric Soares, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and youth prospects Reuell Walters and Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

Even if Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, and Norton-Cuffy (loan) all leave this summer, Arsenal will still have plenty of alternatives in all competitions.

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