PSG in talks with Arsenal to sign Bellerin
Paris Saint Germain are in talks with Arsenal to sign Hector Bellerin this summer, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The French club have a long standing interest in the Spanish full back and would like to sign him as Thomas Meunier’s replacement after the Belgian moved to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in June.
Arsenal want Bellerin to remain at the club and are open to discussing a new deal but will not stand in the way of a move to Paris for the 25 year old if the Champions League finalists make a suitable offer.
PSG are expected to intensify their pursuit of the Spaniard by making a formal offer in the coming days. Bellerin is thought to be open to a fresh challenge if Arsenal were to accept a bid for him. It is expected that PSG will offer an initial fee of £25 million with an additional £5 million in bonuses, according to the Daily Mail. Arsenal value him higher but the two clubs will continue to negotiate. They believe they can reach a middle ground.
The Gunners accept that this transfer could help them generate much needed funds to go after their primary targets in the transfer window. They are keen on signing Thomas Partey, who has a £45 million buyout clause. Talks for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar are believed to have taken place.
Dani Ceballos is expected to return to the Emirates on a season long loan in the next few days and it is unclear whether that will affect Arsenal’s current plans to further bolster their midfield. The 24 year old will travel to London soon and self isolate for a period of fourteen days as per the British government’s coronavirus protocols.
If Bellerin were to leave, the Gunners would still have two options at right back. Ainsley Maitland Niles looks set to stay at the club and would presumably become Arsenal’s first choice right back with Cedric Soares as his backup.
Bayern Munich and Juventus are also interested in signing Bellerin but PSG’s interest in the player is the strongest and they will probably prove to be the best option for Arsenal financially.
The 25 year old joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011. He has made 205 appearances for the North London side and is currently the vice captain of the team. He is known to be a big presence in the dressing room and played an important role in getting the Arsenal squad to agree to the wage cut earlier in the year due to the pandemic.
Bellerin suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last year but has made a full recovery. He has three years remaining on his contract with the Gunners.
