Arsenal are pushing ahead with plans to terminate the contract of a player that’s been with the club for over 10 years.
It’s been known for some time that Hector Bellerin no longer had a future with the Gunners, but an update from Fabrizio Romano has confirmed next steps.
Héctor Bellerín’s agent is in London today as he met with Arsenal board, been told meeting took place in the morning. Discussions ongoing to terminate the contract. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
Bellerín asked to return to Real Betis as soon as possible, it’s his priority. 🟢 pic.twitter.com/5ujSD32jDF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2022
After spending last season on loan with Real Betis, the 27-year-old is now desperate to return and will do anything in his power to make that dream a reality.
The Spaniard has just one year left on his contract making a permanent deal fairly hard to pursue given the fact Bellerin has stated publicly he only wants Betis.
However, a return to La Liga hit a stumbling block with Betis admitting that they couldn’t afford to purchase the defender AND pay his six figure wages.
Bellerin is currently one of Arsenal’s top earners pulling in £110k per week and it now seems the only way to get his move would be to terminate his contract.
It’s a decision that suits all parties but the main sticking point is whether Arsenal would need to pay the remainder of his wages in order to effectively pay off Bellerin to leave.
That of course doesn’t work for Technical Director, Edu Gaspar, who is now in talks with Bellerin’s entourage to conclude a move with bigger priorities on the horizon.
Not including Ben White, Arsenal currently have four registered right full-backs and the aim is to sort the future of both Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to free up space for new signings.
Not only would Bellerin’s departure offer the chance to welcome a new arrival, it would also free up plenty of wage budget and solve the issue of squad harmony.
Arteta wants a squad of players who are all capable of getting game time. Arsenal want to respect Bellerin’s wishes but it’s now about the finances regarding the termination.