Arsenal: Could Hector Bellerin be replaced by Achraf Hakimi?

With loose, however, present rumors linking Hector Bellerin to a move away from Arsenal, could Achraf Hakimi be a possible replacement?

In recent weeks, there has been speculation around the future of Hector Bellerin at Arsenal. Various outlets have reported the Spanish right-back may be open to a move away from the club if an attractive offer is received.

The 25-year-old has been with the club since 2011, since he was just 16 years of age, and after breaking into the first team in 2015, he has since retained his spot on the right side of the defense for the most part. The only thing that has really taken any game time away from the long-serving, pacey fullback is injuries.

Being forced to the sideline through injury is a feeling that Bellerin has unfortunately grown ever used to, however, he is still highly regarded by the club and seen as a leader. Given rumors linking Bellerin with a move away, could that of Borussia Dortmund’s Achraf Hakimi serve as a replacement if a move comes to fruition?

Yes and no. On the pitch, I have no doubt that the 21-year-old Hakimi could give something different to Arsenal. His pace is incredible and as is his attacking output.

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The Morrocan right-back who is currently on loan from Real Madrid at Dortmund has managed 10 assists; just two shy of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s tally for the season. He, like Arnold epitomizes everything a modern full back is about and if need be, Arsenal would be best advised in doing everything they can to catch that train and not let the opportunity pass them by.

Though there is no doubt in my mind that he would provide equal to and possibly better results on the pitch, I can not see him having the same off-the-pitch presence as Bellerin.

In the past, and moreover now, at this time of crisis, Bellerin has shown leadership. He is the bridge of communication between the players and the PFA, who represent them. Therefore, if he was to actually leave the club, a void would certainly be left in that aspect. Notwithstanding said blow would be far less painful if Hakimi was brought in as his replacement.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of bringing in Hakimi as a Bellerin replacement is quite low. Though the Moroccan sees his contract winding down at Madrid, having only five-months left on it, a number of clubs including but not limited to: Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly already circling and monitoring the situation.

If Arsenal does end up losing Bellerin to a club such as Juventus, who are supposedly interested in acquiring his services, and they see Hakimi as a possible replacement they must act sooner than later and be proactive.