Fabrizio Romano has given the “Here we go” treatment to a transfer that will see Arsenal “outcast” Hector Bellerin join Barcelona.
The Barcelona-born 27-year-old made 239 first-team appearances for the Gunners but has since fallen out of favour at the North London club under manager Mikel Arteta.
The deal is reported to follow the termination of the Spaniard’s contract with Arsenal by mutual consent and his new deal at Barcelona is expected to only be for the 2022/23 season.
Arsenal ‘Outcast’ on His Way Back to La Liga
Returning to the Nou Camp After All of These Years
Bellerin was part of the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona from 2003 to 2011 before moving to London where he was given a chance at the first-team level. The Spanish international wouldn’t have looked back from there as he quickly endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful.
Injuries hampered his time at the Emirates and this eventually led to him slipping down the pecking order. Minutes became sparse for Bellerin to the point where he was surplus to requirements. A loan move to Real Betis last season seemed to reinvigorate his career and so whilst he may not be in the plans of fellow countryman Mikel Arteta, he still has a lot to offer.
Betis fans were hopeful of a return to the Estadio Benito Villamarin but another side that he knows well in Spain are leading the way. Italian teams such as Udinese and Sassuolo were also chasing the 27-year-old’s signature but to no avail, as his heart appears to be with the Catalan club.
Spanish International Is Going Home
With fellow full-back Sergino Dest looking like he could be leaving Barcelona, the Catalan club will be hoping Bellerin can serve as a solid replacement. The Spaniard made 23 appearances for Betis last season and his new club will be hoping for a similar return. With the contract only currently expected to be for one year, Barcelona could have a low-risk opportunity to get a look at a former Spain international before committing further.
For Bellerin, he will have an opportunity to prove that, despite the injuries, he is still capable of playing to a high level. At 27 years old the Spaniard still has plenty to offer and could put his skills on display at one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.
While the full-back didn’t seem to be part of Arteta’s plans for the upcoming campaign, hopefully Arsenal fans can look back on Bellerin’s time in the capital fondly.
