Hector Bellerin to make ‘every effort’ to stay at Real Betis but admits Arsenal exit will be ‘difficult’

Hector Bellerin says he will make ‘every effort’ to stay at Real Betis but admits it will be ‘difficult’ to leave Arsenal on a permanent transfer.

The 27-year-old, who has been at Arsenal since 2011, spent this season on loan at Spanish club Real Betis.

Bellerin impressed for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, making 32 appearances in all competitions and helping Betis finish fifth in La Liga.

The Spanish right back is now set to return to Arsenal but insists he will try to secure a permanent move to Real Betis this summer.

Speaking on RTV Betis, Bellerin said: ‘I have made my position clear to both clubs. Now we have two months to get the best deal for all three parties.

‘I have always said, I made an effort to come here and I am willing to make every effort to keep it going because it is my home and I am happy.

‘It is also true that I had very nice moments in London, in England. Arsenal has given a lot, the opportunity to be a professional.

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‘If I leave, it will be difficult, but hopefully everything goes as we want.’

Bellerin spent almost a decade in Barcelona’s academy before joining Arsenal in 2011 and went on to make 239 appearances for the Gunners.

He won two FA Cups under Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger and one under current boss Mikel Arteta, but had slipped down the pecking order prior to his move to Spain.

Real Betis are also keen for Bellerin to extend his spell at the club but the player’s wages of around £100,000-a-week may prove a stumbling block.

Bellerin has made it clear how much he enjoyed his loan, however, and has endeared himself to Betis fans by writing on Instagram: ‘Even if I tried I’m finding it very difficult