Arsene Wenger has said that Hector Bellerin’s long term future is at Arsenal amid the speculation surrounding the player. The Spaniard has been linked both with a return to FC Barcelona and also a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City (via Arsenal.com).
It was worrying when the rumours started whirling around Hector Bellerin’s future. The youngster broke into the Arsenal first team a couple of years ago and has since established himself as a crucial player. His form this season has been very good but the player has been strongly linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks with Manchester City and FC Barcelona both reportedly at the front of the queue.
Wenger was asked in his pre-match press conference whether he was keen to keep the player. “Yes of course.” Wenger told the gathered press. “That’s why I’m surprised by the speculation.
“Look, he has nearly three years to go and we always try to get the players to a level we think they deserve to be so we try to extend his contract. For me his long term future is here.”
It will be music to the ears of most Arsenal fans who were certainly a little concerned about the player’s future. Arsenal have a history of selling key players to both City and Barcelona so it’s good that this has been put to bed. Hector Bellerin is now an important first team player and Wenger praised the youngster for the way he has taken to it.
“Let’s not forget that his first game he had a nightmare when I played him he was the year before at Watford and he didn’t play. His progress has been absolutely spectacular.
“He has absolutely top mental strength I think he loves as well to be here and has responsibilities in the dressing room for someone so young, it’s remarkable.”
The boss also seemed convinced that Bellerin’s long-term future is at the Emirates despite the 21-year-old’s history. The Spaniard was brought in from Barcelona at a young age and there is always a feeling that he will one day return to the club but Wenger disagrees.
“No I think in life you do not necessarily have to play where you were born, and modern life is not exactly like that.
“What is important is that the players’ needs are met where he is and his values and I think he integrated the values of our club very well.
“He came at a very young age, 15, 16 years of age so I think he is now a real Arsenal player.”