Arsenal could lose Bellerin to Manchester City
Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin has the talent to play for any club in Europe. His choice is likely to come down to two Premier League giants though. Should Bellerin continue plying his trade for Arsenal or make a bold move to Manchester City? We examine both options.
The Case for Arsenal
Bellerin is already established as Arsenal’s first choice right back. His game has grown considerably under manager Arsene Wenger so there’s really no reason for him to make a drastic career change.
It’s not as if the Gunners don’t play free, expansive football either. Wenger is known for a lot of things as a manager, but his ability to let players express themselves is perhaps his greatest asset. There’s no better club in England for a fullback to be allowed the freedom to contribute to his side’s attack.
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It’s not as if Arsenal aren’t capable of winning a Premier League title either. They finished second to Leicester City last season and are in the thick of things again this year. Playing alongside high quality attackers like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil is also a huge motivation to continue to call The Emirates home.
The rationale for staying with Arsenal is pretty clear. He’s thrived at the club for a number of years, and they have the talent to compete for silverware. There’s no reason for him to risk a good, comfortable situation.
The Case for Manchester City
Arsene Wenger is a legendary manager, but he isn’t Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard is one of the world’s most innovative managers. Bellerin would be lucky to join his revolution at Manchester City.
It’s also not as if he wouldn’t walk into City and become an immediate starter at right back either. Ironically, he’d take the place of former Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna. The Frenchman is clearly past his best days and Guardiola will certainly want to purchase an upgrade over him this summer.
City also play some of the most progressive football in the world under Guardiola. While Arsenal believe they can capture a Premier League title, everyone believes that Manchester City have the necessary tools.
They have world-class talent all over the pitch. The two fullback positions are really the only spots on the pitch where Guardiola doesn’t have star power. Bellerin could help drastically upgrade the club’s only slight weakness.
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Playing for Guardiola would give Bellerin the opportunity to learn from a new voice. He would help the Spaniard grow into one of the world’s best two-way defenders.
So which club should he choose?
Bellerin really can’t go wrong with either selection. He’s assured of loads of playing time for a club capable of winning a Premier League title either way. In the end, I have to give a slight edge to Manchester City though.
He should make the move largely due to the opportunity to grow his game under Guardiola’s watchful eye. Bellerin has learned a lot from Wenger over the years, but it’s time for someone else to take charge of his career. Hector Bellerin should make the move to Manchester City.