Arsenal reluctantly ready to sell Hector Bellerin to PSG to fund move for new midfielder as talks progress

Spain defender has been contacted by the French champions and will be made available for around £35m that could go towards Mikel Arteta’s pursuit for midfield reinforcements

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Wednesday 09 September 2020 12:58 BST
Comments
Hector Bellerin has been contacted by PSG over a move away from Arsenal
Hector Bellerin has been contacted by PSG over a move away from Arsenal (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race to sign Arsenal's Hector Bellerin, having already made contact with his representatives.

The French champions currently interest the right-back more than any other potential options, and have so far made the strongest overtures to sign him.

Bellerin is at a stage in his career where he wants a different experience, and Arsenal would be reluctantly ready to sell, for a fee of around £35m. The club want to raise £40 to £50m this summer in total, both to balance the books and buy another midfielder. Mikel Arteta is insistent on the latter, as it is where he feels the squad is short.

Talks between the player's camp and PSG are ongoing, but there is confidence a deal can be done. Sevilla are one of a number of other clubs who have been looking at the 25-year-old.

There is meanwhile a growing possibility that Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi could be re-integrated into the Arsenal squad.

Ozil's camp have told the club he is not leaving without an acceptable offer. The German playmaker is on a huge contract, and Arteta runs the risk of leaving such an expensive player out of the team, at a time when finances are stretched. The Spaniard is said to be reconsidering that, and considering where he can be used in the upcoming season.

Arsenal meanwhile haven't yet found a suitable buyer for Guendouzi, who wants to prove his worth after falling out of favour with Arteta following his on-pitch meltdown against Brighton last season.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in