Arsenal: Hector Bellerin needs competition, not kicking out

There are a growing number of reports suggesting that Arsenal are ready to move on from Hector Bellerin this summer. That would be unwise. The Spaniard needs competition, not kicking out.

The Arsenal squad is in the midst of great change evolution. Arsene Wenger recently described it as ‘heavy’, implying a number of sales that have subsequently come, and the make-up of the senior squad is beginning to shift — Of the 20 players who have played the most Premier League minutes this season, eight were introduced to the first team in the last two years, as well as neither Jack Wilshere nor Calum Chambers being involved last year because of their loan spells away from the club.

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That has led to wild speculation regarding possible departures this summer, ranging from Wilshere himself to Aaron Ramsey. And another name that is now being thrown into the potential-exit ring is Hector Bellerin’s.

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The Spaniard, who has been linked with moves away from North London for several years, largely with Barcelona, the club Arsenal signed him from as a youngster as a part of the Cesc Fabregas sale, is a reported target of Jose Mourinho and Manchester United in the summer window and could command a fee as rich as £50 million.

Now, I have no idea how true these rumours are. There are certainly reasons to believe them. Bellerin has a rocky relationship with some factions of the fan base, his form has curtailed substantially since his breakthrough season two years ago in which he stole Mathieu Debuchy’s starting job, and Arsenal would find it difficult to turn down £50 million, even from a direct rival. But irrespective of their accuracy, I am uneasy in ascribing to the thought that Bellerin should be sold in the summer.

First and foremost, he only turned 23 on Monday of this week. He is extremely young with time aplenty to develop. But he also carries a character that is the type on which this dressing room should be built. He is intelligent, considered, self-aware. These are all traits that help shape a positive culture, something that is desperately needed at this club.

That said, his deteriorating form is unquestionably concerning. Excuses could be made for last season. An ailing ankle injury clearly scuppered his progress, robbing him of his full match sharpness and subsequently denting his confidence as his form dipped. But this year, he has again failed to reach the level that he did when he first burst onto the scene. There isn’t as clear a reason for it, this time, though.

Quite frankly, Bellerin just hasn’t played well enough. His attacking production is down, his positional play is much looser, and he has lost conviction in his defending, especially in one-on-one situations, an aspect of the game that he used to excel in. But his youth and his natural ability merit patience.

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As a result, I believe that competition and depth are required, not a departure. Bellerin needs to be pushed, challenged, and supported. No player in the squad has played more minutes in all competitions than Bellerin. Granit Xhaka is the only outfield player to have played more Premier League minutes. That is not a good thing, but it does not require a wholesale change, just a motivational one.