Arsenal asking price for Hector Bellerin leaves journalist ‘stunned’ as Real Betis close in

A journalist will be left ‘stunned’ if Arsenal get their reported asking price for defender Hector Bellerin this summer.

The Spaniard left Arsenal on August 31 to make way for fellow right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Emirates. The switch was a great move from Mikel Arteta and Edu, as Tomiyasu has been hugely impressive during his debut season.

The transfer is also working out well for Bellerin. He got to link up with boyhood club Real Betis on a season-long loan deal.

Bellerin has made 31 appearances for the Spanish outfit since then, chipping in with five assists.

Betis have had a successful season, too. They are in pole position to finish fifth in La Liga, ahead of Real Sociedad and Villarreal.

Last month, they beat Valencia on penalties – following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes and then extra time – to lift the Copa del Rey. It is the only the third time Betis have won the domestic trophy in their history.

Another benefit for winning the crown is qualifying for next season’s Europa League. This gives Betis additional funds and more pull power when it comes to their summer dealings.

Bellerin is likely to make his loan move to Betis permanent at the end of the season. The Arsenal correspondent for Goal, Charles Watts, has provided an update about this potential exit on his YouTube channel.

Hector Bellerin won’t return to Arsenal, claims reporter

“I’ve been speaking to people close to Bellerin about this and my understanding of the situation is that Bellerin will not be coming back to Arsenal,” Watts said.

“I know Mikel Arteta was asked about this last week at the press conference and said he’s a player contracted to Arsenal, so we’ll prepare for him to come back.

“If all the moves break down, he’ll have to come back but my understanding is that everyone is working towards the idea that Bellerin will leave permanently this summer.

“The first option is Real Betis. They are happy with him and want to keep him. They believe they can make the move permanent.”

Hector Bellerin wants permanent Real Betis move from Arsenal

Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin wants to make his loan move to Real Betis permanent

Reports claim Arsenal will request £15million for Betis to sign Bellerin on a long-term basis. But Watts thinks this figure is too high.

“They [Betis] have got themselves European football next season so they do have some money,” he added. “And they don’t believe it will cost an astronomical amount of money to tempt Arsenal into selling.

“I’ve seen quoted £15m for Hector Bellerin, I’d be stunned if they got that. I’d think it would be between €5-10m (£4.2-8.4m) potentially.”

Bellerin returning to Betis ahead of next season is a transfer that makes sense for everyone. Arsenal don’t have too much need for him, as long as Tomiyasu remains fit.

Betis are reaping the rewards of having such an experienced star within their ranks. And Bellerin is happy to stick with the La Liga team as he is playing for the club he supports.

Due to these factors, it will be very surprising if Bellerin features in an Arsenal shirt next term.

Elsewhere, Arteta has spoken to club media after penning a new three-year deal with the Gunners.