According to Italian media reports, Arsenal could be in for a surprise transfer boost as they look to offload outcast defender Hector Bellerin. The Spaniard appears to be wanted by Udinese on a permanent basis.
According to some reports this week, Arsenal may terminate Bellerin’s contract. The player’s £100,000 per week contract expires in less than a year.
Arsenal did something similar in January to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona. However, there may be a change of plans now that Udinese has raised funds through a player sale.
The Serie A club was initially hesitant to meet Arsenal’s relatively low asking price for Bellerin because they do not have a large summer budget. However, Brandon Soppy’s £7.5 million move to Atalanta may help them sign Bellerin.
According to Sky Italy, Udinese now has the funds to complete a transfer for Bellerin. After 11 years at Arsenal, the 27-year-old is eager to leave.
Bellerin hasn’t played for Arsenal since a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in May of 2021. He spent last season on loan at boyhood club Real Betis and is heavily linked with a permanent return to the club, while Barcelona is also said to be interested.
Despite Udinese’s interest, Sky Sports News claims that Bellerin’s preference would be to return to Spain – though his wages are currently a bit of a stumbling block. A former Barcelona prospect, the speedy right-back has only ever played in England and Spain.
Bellerin has played 239 times for Arsenal but that game against Chelsea over a year ago is likely to be his last. He helped Betis finish a very respectable fifth in La Liga last season.
It is unclear whether Bellerin’s childhood club will be able to complete a permanent purchase.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is not ruling out more signings before the September 1 transfer deadline. They have already spent more than £100 million on new players, including high-profile deals for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira.
Following the completion of those transactions, Arteta stated: “We’re still hoping to do something else if the market permits.
“You’ve seen some movement in the opposite direction in the last few days, so we want to get a perfect balance and plan right from the start.” Whether or not we can achieve that is another story, but I’m content with where we are right now.”
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