Arsenal: 7 pre-season players in line for transfer departures

Arsenal, Hector Bellerin — EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 13: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Pre-Season Friendly between Hibernian and Arsenal at Easter Road on July 13, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

2. Hector Bellerin – Right-Back

Interested clubs: Inter, Real Betis, Sevilla, Villarreal

The fact that Cedric has started both of the pre-season matches in Scotland ahead of Hector Bellerin despite being nowhere near usurping him in the lineup during the end of last season is a strong indicator of what is to come.

If the Spaniard were to get injured at this stage it would be hugely detrimental to Arsenal’s summer plans as the £17m they want for his services will go a long way towards helping them secure their targets.

Well known is that it is Inter who are leading the chase for the 25-year-old’s signature and Bellerin has even informed Arsenal that they are his preference during this window.

Any move hinges on the Serie A champions agreeing to an obligation to purchase following an initial season-long loan, with Arsenal softening their stance on demanding a permanent sale and now trying to convince Simeone Inzaghi’s side to drop their preference for an optional purchase.

He may well travel to Florida and hop on Inter’s plane back.