Arsenal could risk losing this first-team defender to Barcelona

Arsenal will need to seriously consider if this is the right sale to make.

Mikel Arteta has made many changes and improvements since he was unveiled as Arsenal boss, but none more prominent than in the defence. It was like the Gunners had undergone a complete revamp, but the reality was, the new manager simply worked with his resources much more efficiently than his predecessor.

One of the players who has been key to Arteta’s progress is the Spanish full-back Hector Bellerin. He has always been a solid option for the Gunners at right-back but he, like many others, was beginning to fall out of love with Unai Emery and his stalemate tactics.

But now, just before the turn of the new season, Arsenal run the risk of losing Bellerin to his boyhood club Barcelona. This is according to Sport, who reveals that the Blaugrana have made contact with the North London club over a potential signing of Bellerin.

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I would hope that Arsenal told them one thing and one thing only; no. We have no real reason to sell him since he is an important asset to Arteta and his contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2021. From what I’m aware, he’s not expressed any desire to leave and he’s won two trophies in the last month.

Though, I do understand Barcelona’s confidence. With Ronald Koeman now at the helm, they are set to embark on a project rebuild of their own. Having shown a keen interest in Bellerin before, and of course, raising him in their youth ranks, the Catalans are fond of the full-back.

If Bellerin decides that he wants to push through with this deal, then the Gunners will have no other choice. Mikel Arteta must only keep ahold of the players who want to be at the club for the right reasons. Let’s hope it won’t come to that stage, though.

Do you think Arsenal will sell Hector Bellerin?