Hector Bellerin insists he is happy at Arsenal

Sport360 staff 16:59 27/07/2018
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  • Hector Bellerin insists he is “very happy” at Arsenal as the full-back continues to be linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

    The 23-year-old Spanish right-back joined the Gunners as a teenager from Barcelona and has gone on to play over 150 games for the club.

    But his former club are believed to be interested in bringing him back to the Camp Nou, while he has also reportedly drawn long-term interest from the likes of Juventus, while Pep Guardiola is believed to have considered a move to bring him to Manchester City.

    But Bellerin insists he ‘does not want to be anywhere else’ than Arsenal. He has emerged as one of the most promising full-backs in Europe but struggled last season in what was Arsene Wenger’s final campaign in charge.

    He will hope to revive his career under new manager Unai Emery and says it is ‘crazy’ that there are question marks over his commitment to Arsenal.

    He signed a six-and-a-half year contract in 2016 and has developed through the Arsenal ranks to become a key member of their squad.

    Bellerin, who has been handed the number 2 shirt ahead of the new season, has now moved to rubbish questions over his future.

    “It is crazy that people ask me these questions all the time,” he told the London Evening Standard.

    “A few years ago I signed a very long-term contract. I have never said that I have wanted to be anywhere else.

    “I am very happy in London. I am very happy at this club.

    “The club have made me who I am and gave me the chance to be the footballer I am today. So I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

    Bellerin will face stiff competition at right-back from new recruit Stephan Lichtsteiner this season as head coach Emery looks to hit the ground running after replacing Wenger in May.

    Switzerland skipper Lichtsteiner joined on a free transfer from Juventus, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno, defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos and midfield duo Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira also signing for the Gunners this summer.

    Emery appears happy with the shape of his squad ahead of the August transfer deadline and revealed at a press conference as part of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore that winger Alex Iwobi is close to extending his deal.

    “I have the information, he is near,” he said of the Nigeria international.

    “Mesut (Ozil), Mohamed Elneny and Iwobi are working with us – my first impression is very good. My information is he will sign to stay with us.”

    Arsenal face Emery’s former club Paris Saint-Germain at the Singapore National Stadium on Saturday as part of the International Champions Cup.

    That follows a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Thursday in the same pre-season friendly tournament, where youngster Alex Smith Rowe impressed as Arsenal lost 3-1 on penalties to the Europa League holders.

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