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.
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.
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.
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.