Arsenal: Hector Bellerin distinction seems unnecessary

Hector Bellerin’s long-term status with Arsenal seems to be changing constantly, but now he is supposedly “untouchable.” But why?

I am continuously impressed by Unai Emery and how much he seems to already know about Arsenal. And yes, I say this almost entirely because he gave Granit Xhaka a long-term deal and must therefore agree with everything I’ve ever said about him.

All that aside, though, to see him extend Ainsley Maitland-Niles, commit to Aaron Ramsey, be okay with severing ties with Jack Wilshere – it just all shows a guy who knows what he’s doing.

And then there is Hector Bellerin.

I love Bellerin. His roguish persona, his couldn’t-care-less demeanor off the pitch. He seems like a swell guy. And up until this year, I loved him on the pitch too. Faster than anyone, a better attacker than most fullbacks and a solid enough defender.

He was just all around swell.

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But this past year is stuck in my head, because it seems to be continuing the digression of young Bellerin. Now 23 years old, I am afraid to say that he may have actually gotten worse since he first debuted with the club.

These hurdles he has been facing have not been met with success and while he still shows glimpses of his former self, at 23, your former self shouldn’t feel like a far off dream. It should be close enough that you can draw on it.

Which is why, when Unai Emery reportedly labeled Bellerin as one of five “untouchables” at the club, I raised at least one – but no more than three – eyebrows.

Again, I really do like Bellerin as a player and as an individual. I think he brings a ton to the club. But given that steady digression, couldn’t we at least field offers for him? Not even with the intent to sell, but he seems to be like one of our most valuable commodities, and if you get a club willing to pay way over the asking price, then what’s the harm in entertaining the thought?

What made Bellerin so special before was that it seemed like no one else could do what he did, what with his speed and his combination of attacking and defense.

Seeing that fade has brought it all back down to earth – there are others out there.

Next: Arsenal Complete 2017/18 Player Ratings

I want Bellerin to stay. Don’t take this the wrong way. I just wouldn’t be opposed to selling him for a massive fee that could fund many more righteous endeavors for the club this crucial transfer window.