Arsenal are discussing a possible contract termination with Hector Bellerin’s agent, as the player wants a move to Real Betis.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hector Bellerin’s agent met with the Arsenal board on Tuesday morning to discuss a possible contract termination. The right-back has a year left on his deal and is itching to join Real Betis, who are not ready to pay any transfer fees.
Hector Bellerin’s career as an Arsenal player has spiralled out of relevance in the last couple of seasons after the player fell out of favour at the club. The right-back requested the Gunners to sanction a loan deal to Real Betis last summer, which they did.
Bellerin played for Betis in the 2021/22 season, helping them win the Copa del Rey. The campaign was successful for all parties concerned, and Arsenal were ready to offload him permanently in this window. The Gunners demanded at least €10 million for the right-back, but things have got complicated.
Betis reportedly were willing to pay around €4 million earlier, which was considerably lesser than Arsenal’s demands. The Gunners were unwilling to accept such a paltry offer for a player in his prime, coming onthe back of a good season in Spain.
Héctor Bellerín’s agent is in London today as he met with Arsenal board, been told meeting took place in the morning. Discussions ongoing to terminate the contract. ?⚪️? #AFC
Bellerín asked to return to Real Betis as soon as possible, it’s his priority. ? pic.twitter.com/5ujSD32jDF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2022
The other factor is Bellerin’s high wages in north London, and getting those off their books remains Arsenal’s highest priority. However, Betis feel they are in a position to leverage the player’s desire to join them, prompting proceedings to cancel his current contract.
Arsenal have in the past taken such a route, where they have paid several high-profile players to depart the club. In Bellerin’s case, they may not pay any compensation for the player, considering he is requesting a contract termination.
Reports also suggested that Bellerin rejected three offers in the hope of joining Betis this summer. And now, Fabrizio Romano insists the player’s agent met with the Arsenal board on Tuesday morning to discuss a possible contract termination. However, both parties are yet to decide on a solution.
Bellerin wants to join only Betis and will be hoping the Gunners consider his request once again. Alternatively, the Gunners could reject the agent’s proposal and continue asking for a reasonable transfer fee.
The next few days will determine the right-back’s future, which clearly is away from Arsenal. Many factors are in play, as the Gunners do not want to be outmuscled by other clubs, using the leverage of the player’s position. The worst-case scenario for all parties concerned would see the player staying put for one more season and then moving on a free transfer next summer.
