PSG reach out to Arsenal for Hector Bellerin transfer

Paris Saint-Germain have contacted Arsenal with a £25m plus £5m in add-ons transfer offer for Héctor Bellerín, according to multiple reports. The Gunners would like to keep Bellerín in North London but are open to a move for the right price. Juventus and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in the right back as well.

That those clubs are pursuing Bellerín should tell you all you need to know about his skill and his value. He’s top class. While he has been a bit slow to rediscover his pre-ACL injury form, it’s coming back. He was particularly good in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool and is a no-brainer, every week Premier League starter. Selling him would theoretically make more room for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to remain at the club, but AMN is a right wing back, not an out-and-out right back. Cedric Soares is a capable backup but doesn’t have the quality to be first-choice at Arsenal.

In case you couldn’t tell, I don’t think Arsenal should sell Bellerín. Moving him would leave the club wanting on the right side of the defense. Beyond that, he’s the kind of player you want at your club. He’s been a model citizen, and his social, environmental, and civic engagement make me proud to support him and this club. And he’s got “Arsenal DNA” — he’s been at the club since he was 16 years old. He’s just a cool dude.

But as I’ve said time and again, every player has a price. If PSG were to come back with a 40M+ offer, Arsenal would have to think long and hard about the sale. The Gunners need midfield reinforcements and are still pursuing Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar. Presumably the funds generated by a Bellerín sale would be reinvested towards bringing one of that pair to North London.

I don’t want it to happen, but if the number is right, there’s a good chance it does. Arsenal will almost certainly turn down that £30m initial offer. Where it goes from there, who knows.