Arsenal put their foot down in Hector Bellerin transfer talks after public exit plea

Arsenal are refusing to release Hector Bellerin from his contract and allow him to join Real Betis after spending the season on loan there.

The right-back made his feelings clear ahead of the summer transfer window when he insisted he wanted to remain in Spain. The 27-year-old enjoyed his year-long stint at Betis, while his family are all die-hard fans.

It had been hoped that a deal could be struck that would see Bellerin remain in Seville but it would have relied on the Gunners releasing the Spaniard from his contract. Betis are strapped for cash while the defender has one year left on his contract.

However, Arsenal are not prepared to scrap Bellerin's contract and let him leave for nothing, report Estadio Deportivo. Instead, they are demanding a transfer fee but would also consider a swap deal.

While Real might be Bellerin's preferred choice, there is plenty of interest in his services. The report also states that Roma, Fiorentina, Juventus and Inter Milan are all keeping tabs on the situation. Barcelona, where the Spain international came up through the academy, are in the race as well.

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