Villarreal are interested in signing Hector Bellerin, who still harbours hopes of rejoining Real Betis in this window.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Hector Bellerin has emerged on Unai Emery’s list as a potential right-back option at Villarreal. The Spanish manager is keen on reuniting with the full-back, who continues to harbour hopes of returning with Real Betis.
Hector Bellerin may have joined Arsenal in their pre-season training and featured in their first behind-closed-door game, but the right-back has no desire to continue with the north London side. Instead, the Gunners are happy to sell him for a reported fee of €10 million, which no club has met so far.
There is significant interest in the right-back, with Atletico Madrid recently being linked along with some clubs from Italy. The Rojiblancos may tempt Bellerin with their offer of Champions League football, but his heart remains set on a move to Real Betis.
Bellerin spent last season with Betis, helping the side win the Copa del Rey. He is also willing to take a massive pay cut to make a move happen, although the Spanish side is taking things slow in pursuing the Arsenal star, due to their lack of funds
Betis are aware of Bellerin’s desire to return and are waiting to make a move in the latter stages of the window. The idea may be to force Arsenal to sell below their €10 million asking price, as the right-back has only a year left on his contract.
However, Betis faces competition from Villarreal, who are in the market for a new right-back. Having been was keen on signing the player last summer before he joined Betis, the Yellow Submarines’ manager Unai Emery is still keeping tabs on Bellerin.
Villarreal have decided against extending Serge Aurier’s short-term deal and lost Ruben Pena to a free transfer as the full-back joined Osasuna. Hence, Bellerin has emerged as a necessary signing. To that end, the La Liga side, who made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season, have contacted the defender’s entourage as well as Arsenal to assess the possibility of a summer move.
However, Bellerin is likely to wait until the latter stages of the window to see if he can make a return to Betis. Villarreal could still be an option if Los Verdiblancos bow out of the race. In any case, the right-back has no future at Arsenal, who are hoping to get their asking price in this market.
