September 01, (THEWILL) – North London’s Arsenal continued a busy last day of transfer moves with the confirmation that Hector Bellerin was on his way to Real Betis on a season-long loan deal that was finalised on Tuesday.
It was the end of a summer-long desire to move on Bellerin’s part. The Spaniard has suffered an injury-hit few years, enduring extended periods on the sidelines in each of his past three seasons. He did feature prominently during last campaign, though, even donning the captain’s armband in the course of the season.
Yet, Bellerin has long been known to want a fresh challenge after spending his entire career – aside from a brief loan spell with Watford – at the Emirates Stadium with the north London club.
That is what returning to his home country will give him. For Betis, it is a deal that helps them replace Emerson Royal, who left Betis for Barcelona but, as THEWILL reported has completed a move to Arsenal rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday as well.
Bellerin’s loan move is without an option to buy and the end of the season could see him return to the Gunners or go elsewhere, considering how well his time at Betis goes.
Arsenal have had one of their busiest transfer summers, in and out of the club. There were five signings in total with Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Nuno Tavares all arriving. Takehiro Tomiyasu also arrived late from Bologna.
In the other direction, a string of departures have taken place. Joe Willock was sold to Newcastle, while Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, William Saliba and Reiss Nelson were loaned out. The pair of veterans, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea, Willian and David Luiz, exited on free transfers.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
