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AS Roma Interested in Securing the Services of €20m Rated Arsenal Full-Back

Hector Bellerin, AS Roma, Villarreal, Barcelona

According to reports, AS Roma are interested in procuring the services of Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin. On the back of a triumphant run in the UEFA Conference League, Jose Mourinho will be allowed to spend some significant cash in the upcoming transfer window.

Hector Bellerin has enjoyed a successful stint at Real Betis on loan last season. The Spaniard made 32 appearances as Manuel Pellegrini’s men won the Copa del Rey, their first piece of silverware since 2005, and finished 5th in the Spanish league.

Hector Bellerin, Real Betis, AS Roma
Image obtained Via 90min

Real Betis Still Want Bellerin?

Betis president Angel Haro confirmed that Bellerin would return to the Emirates, but hinted that the Los Verdiblancos are tempted to sign him on a permanent basis:

‘Hector is a fantastic player and a very good person. It was a loan that we had from Arsenal, now he returns to Arsenal and from then on, we’ll see.

It is true that he has been very caught up in everything about Betis because, in addition, his parents are Betis fans. Hopefully we cross paths again.’

The Seville club reportedly asked Arsenal to cancel their contract with Bellerin, facilitating a free transfer to Spain. The Gunners turned down the request to terminate the Spaniard’s contract. Teammate Borja Iglesias even suggested crowdfunding to sign the defender permanently.

AS Roma Join The Race To Sign Hector Bellerin

The Italian side are looking to add depth to their squad for the next season. Ainsley Maitland-Niles will return to England after the culmination of his loan spell. Former Gunner Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also join Inter Milan next season.

Roma initially targeted Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, United are looking to recoup much of the £50million transfer fee they paid in 2017. Hector Bellerin has emerged as a cheaper alternative for AS Roma. Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Metro) reports that Arsenal value the Spaniard at around £18 million, and Roma feel they can acquire the 27-year-old for even less.

Hector Bellerin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Image obtained via Just Arsenal

Arsenal are open to allowing Bellerin to go out on another loan but will demand a significant fee on a permanent transfer. He has a contract with the Gunners only until 2023. Another loan deal would allow the Spanish full-back to walk away for free next summer. Therefore, Arsenal could look to maximize their earnings from his sale in this transfer window itself.

AS Roma have lined up Zeki Celik and Rick Karsdorp as potential alternatives to the La Masia graduate. However, Mourinho is an admirer of Bellerin, and the player’s agent is also pushing for a transfer to the Italian capital.

Potential Future At Arsenal?

Arsenal already have Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric for the right-back position. Youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy has impressed on loan with Lincoln, and could also be retained. The Gunners have also been linked to Sergino Dest, Nahuel Molina, and Djede Spence.

Bellerin himself has recognised that his future lies away from the Emirates. Last month, the Spaniard was quoted:

“For now, I have to go back (to London). I have spoken with the two clubs and I have made my position clear to them. There are two months ahead to look for the best start for everyone. I made an effort to come and I am willing to make any effort so that this continues to be my home, because I am happy. It is also true that I had very nice moments in London, in England. Arsenal has given a lot, the opportunity to be a professional. If I leave it, it will be difficult, but hopefully everything goes as we want.”

The North London side also need signings in other areas of the field. Alexandre Lacazette has joined Lyon on a free transfer. The Gunners are also looking for reinforcements in the middle of the park. Bellerin, as things stand, would be surplus to requirements at the Emirates.

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Verdict:

The 21/22 campaign was one of the best seasons of Bellerin’s career. Currently 27, the Spaniard seems to have shrugged off his recurring injury issues, just as he approaches his prime. Arsenal can hold out for their asking price of £18 million to find suitors. The transfer fee, combined with other sales, will also help in signing some players from Arteta’s wishlist.

Should Arsenal sell Hector Bellerin? Is £18 million a fair deal? Let us know in the comments.

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Adithya Ravi
Football enthusiast. Stat enthusiast

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