Arsenal star open to swap deal involving one of two LaLiga full-backs
An Arsenal first-teamer has told Mikel Arteta he wishes to leave the Emirates this summer, according to a report.
Several players have already left the north London side during the transfer window, most notably Joe Willock and David Luiz. Willock was sold to Newcastle United in a deal which could rise to £25m, while Luiz is available on a free after being released.
One player who could now join them out the exit door is Spanish right-back Hector Bellerin.
The Athletic claims that Bellerin is keen to join a new club this month and has made his decision known to Arsenal chiefs.
He is so desperate to leave that he has come up with a swap deal alongside his representatives.
The transfer would see Bellerin join Spanish giants Barcelona, with Brazilian full-back Emerson Royal going in the other direction.
Barca cannot afford an outright transfer as their finances have been badly hit by the ongoing pandemic.
A backup option for Bellerin is La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. In this case, England international Kieran Trippier would join Arsenal and become Arteta’s new right-back.
However, Arsenal are unlikely to sanction a swap deal as they want a significant fee for the 26-year-old.
They received a loan offer from Inter Milan earlier this summer but knocked it back as the Serie A champions couldn’t afford to include an option to buy.
Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the player’s signature in the past.
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They were rumoured to be considering an offer but ultimately decided on Morocco starlet Achraf Hakimi.
The Gunners have just over two weeks to decide on what they want to do with Bellerin. The window shuts for English clubs on August 31.
He was left on the bench in Friday’s opening day defeat to Brentford. Englishman Calum Chambers was selected on the right side of defence, although he struggled against the Bees’ pacy attack.
Arsenal blasted for £50m signing
Another defender who was poor against Thomas Frank’s newly-promoted side was Ben White.
The Englishman, fresh from a £50m transfer, was unable to cope with Brentford’s aerial threat.
Following the disappointing defeat, Arsenal legend Martin Keown named two strong alternatives for him at centre-back.
“What Arsenal need is people who can defend,” he told Stadium Astro.
“You look at it now and [Jannick] Vestergaard was available and he’s on his way to Leicester. He’s 6ft 4 or 6ft 5 and I’m pretty certain he’d be dealing with those balls coming into the box so recruitment is all important.
“There were other central defenders available. At £50m he could still probably prove to be a good signing but you’ve got the likes of [Joachim] Andersen signing for Palace.”
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