Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin could be headed for the French capital, as Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal begin negotiations over a deal.
According to transfer expert, David Ornstein, Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly met with Arsenal to express their interest in signing the 25-year-old and both clubs have begun talks to find an agreement in the coming weeks.
The Spaniard could pull the plugs on his six-year stay at the Emirates if the deal with Paris Saint-Germain goes through as Arsenal try to source funds for Thomas Partey and Lyon star midfielder Houssem Aouar.
The Champions League runner-ups have been keeping tabs on Bellerin and have now identified him as their preferred replacement for their former right-back and now Dortmund player, Thomas Meunier.
While Arsenal would like to keep Bellerin and offer him a new contract, they will not block a deal should their valuation for the 25-year-old be met.
theathletic.com writes: ‘PSG’s pursuit is set to intensify with a formal offer and it is expected that Bellerin would be open to a fresh challenge should the sides reach a consensus. While it is likely that the initial bid will fall below Arsenal’s asking price, there is optimism that a middle ground can be established amicably.‘
Should Bellerin leave for Paris, English full-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles would become the Gunners first-choice for the right-back position, while new boy Cedric Soares would back him up.
Maitland-Niles, who is reportedly prepared to leave the club in hopes of regular first-team action, would be tempted to remain by the prospects of being Arsenal’s No.1 left-back, as Arteta has offered him a more senior role in the squad.
Bellerin has become a key figure in the Arsenal squad since joining the Gunners as a 19-year-old from Watford in 2014.
Last season, he played 15 games in all competitions, scoring one goal as the Gunners claimed the Emirates FA Cup.
