Hector Bellerin is set to stay at Arsenal amidst interest from Manchester City and Barcelona. Arsene Wenger has firmly stated that the Spaniard is not for sale and is willing to give the 21-year-old a pay rise to retain his services.
Bellerin’s rise
Bellerin has been one of Arsenal’s best players in the past 2 seasons. After joining the Gunners from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy he was loaned out to Watford before finally making a breakthrough into Arsenal’s first team. He has since gone on to establish himself as one of the finest right-backs in the league.
The Spaniard has made over 60 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side scoring 3 goals in the process. A threat offensively as well, his bombing runs on the right-hand side contribute to a major part of Arsenal’s attacks. Although a liability on the defensive end at times, his breathtaking pace generally gets him out of tricky spots.
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The 21-year-old has also managed to break into Spain’s national team and has made 3 appearances for them.
Wenger dismisses a possible move
Wenger spoke to media outlets ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League match against Swansea where he all but confirmed the Spaniard’s future. “He has nearly three years to go, but we always try to get the players to the level where they deserve to be, so we'll try to extend his contract as well," he said. "For me, his long-term future is here," the Frenchman went on to add.
Wenger also dismissed rumours of a possible return to Barcelona saying, "I think in life you do not necessarily have to play where you were born. Modern life is not exactly like that. What is important is that a player meets his needs where he is, and his values. And I think he integrated very well the values of our club. He came at a very, very young age, at 16 years of age, so I think he's a real Arsenal player.”
The manager also went on to state that Bellerin’s rise has been remarkable considering his age, "I think he loves to be here, and he has responsibilities already in the dressing room. For such a young age it's something remarkable,” he added.
Arsenal had a poor start to the current Premier League campaign but have steadied the ship in recent games going on to win their last 5 matches. They host Swansea at the Emirates on Saturday and will be looking to maintain their fine form.
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