There was some huge news for Arsenal fans to celebrate on Monday, as Hector Bellerin signed a new long-term contract to remain at the club.
The 21-year-old right-back has been at the Emirates Stadium since joining from Barcelona in 2011, and broke into the first team picture three years later. He has gone on to establish himself as a key member of Arsene Wenger’s back four, and has now racked up 86 appearances in all competitions as well as getting into the Spain national squad where he now has three caps.
Bellerin’s form has been so good it has seen him linked with a return to his former club, whilst Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in recent times. But there is now no need for Gunners fans to worry about losing the youngster anytime soon, after it was confirmed on Monday that he has signed a new contract which keeps him at the club for the long-term.
“I’m really, really happy and this club is my home right now,” he said. “I’ve been here for more than five years now so I was really, really excited when the club told me that they wanted to extend my contract. I wasn’t thinking about anything else other than staying here and continuing my development here. This is where I’m happy. I’m just very grateful and pleased to have signed.
“Arsenal is not only about being a footballer, you have to be a good person to play here. You represent more than just a football club. Now I’ve just got to keep on progressing, keep working hard to be the best player I can be, and hopefully help the team to be where it’s got to be, to win some silverware. That’s what everyone wants and that’s what I’m working towards.”
This will come as a huge boost for Wenger, who will now once more turn his attentions to two more of his important first team players. It has been suggested that Mesut Ozil, despite being linked with a return to Real Madrid, is closing on a new deal. Alexis Sanchez is the other player in the frame for a new deal, as the Chilean enters the final 18 months of his existing terms.
