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What's the story?
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin this summer, according to The Telegraph.
In case you didn't know...
The right back started his career at Spanish champions Barcelona before moving to the Emirates in 2011. Bellerin is known for his rapid pace and is widely considered as one of the fastest footballers in the world.
Bellerin has made 181 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 7 goals. He was won the FA Cup twice and the FA Community Shield during his stint with the Premier League side.
The Spanish defender has made 3 appearances for the national team so far with injuries hampering his selection in the squad. He suffered a nasty ACL injury on his left knee during a league game against derby rivals Chelsea earlier this season and was subsequently ruled out for 9 months.
The heart of the matter
Although he recently made headlines at the Paris Fashion Week, Bellerin is still recovering from this latest setback. Diego Simeone is keen to sign a new wing back and has identified Bellerin as the perfect option add to his defence.
Arsenal have been linked with wantaway Belgian, Yannick Carrasco as there are serious doubts over Bellerin's fitness. The Gunners had hoped that the Spaniard would be ready to return for pre-season but it looks more than likely that Bellerin will miss the start of next season.
The London club are in no rush to sell their injured star but Atletico hope to tempt Arsenal boss Unai Emery with the chance to reunite with the versatile Vitolo. The two teamed up at Emery's former club Seville and won 3 Europa League titles before Emery left for PSG and Vitolo moved to the Wanda Metropolitano.
What's next?
Simeone is stubborn and Arsenal could be persuaded by a swap deal for the injury-prone Bellerin. Club officials valued the Spanish right-back at £50 million last summer amid interest from Juventus and there is no suggestion that they are willing to drop the price. The 24 year-old could be interested in a return to Spain to boost his chances for selection in the national team.
