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Arsenal Need Hector Bellerin To Spurn Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has reportedly asked Barcelona to sign Hector Bellerin. Arsenal need the defender to spurn the great man’s advances.
The threat of missing out on Champions League football for the first time during Arsene Wenger’s tenure is a very real possibility for Arsenal. It has been a state of relative success that has been considered a given throughout his reign. But this year, the complacent attitude within the squad and the fan base perhaps clouds the genuine danger of missing out on Europe’s elite club competition.
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While the Champions League is a wonderful competition to be a part of, one that brings the world’s very best together and pits them against one another, there is another, more practical, reason why ensuring qualification each and every season is extremely important.
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Players want to play in the Champions League. It is a huge determining factor, both in signing players and ensuring that the talented members of the squad are kept in-house. Hector Bellerin has been the subject of transfer interest from a number of clubs throughout the season. And as the summer transfer window looms, the rumours are again rising to the fore, with Lionel Messi now wanting Barcelona to re-acquire the services of their former youth product.
It has been a club touted with a possible move for the Spaniard. And Bellerin has not exactly dampened expectations of a departure. While he has maintained his happiness in North London, especially while Arsene Wenger remains as manager, when asked about the interest from his former club, he also had this to say:
"“Any player is flattered by the interest of Barca. They are the best club in the world and that is very nice. The fact that I grew up in Barca’s academy also adds a bit of speciality, although now I’m focused on the this season (at Arsenal) and the rest will come later. You do not know what the future holds and you cannot close any doors.”"
Although Bellerin’s recent form has been cause for concern – I believe that there is an ailing injury issue with his ankle which he suffered earlier in the season – he is still an integral part of the Gunners’ future and it would be a major blow to see him leave ahead of such a vital part of his career.
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And that is where the allure of Champions League football comes in. Although it may well be difficult to keep hold of Bellerin whether Arsenal finish in the top four or not, if they do not qualify for the Champions League then their task will be immensely more difficult. Bellerin needs to be kept hold of, no matter what Lionel Messi may desire.