Arsenal: Hector Bellerin contract renewal more than just re-signing a player
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has committed his future to the club with a new long-term contract. A contract renewal that is symbolic of more than just the re-signing of a great player.
Arsenal have made a significant move by agreeing a new contract with Hector Bellerin. The right back has been linked with Barcelona and Manchester City in recent times, but now the defender has committed his long-term future to the Gunners.
Bellerin has agreed a six-year deal, according to the Mirror. Which is not a contract just to appease the fans and ensure Arsenal get value for his sale – that’s a genuine commitment. A commitment that Arsenal haven’t always received from their best players over the years.
Recent history has seen Arsene Wenger lose some of his top players to rival clubs in England and Europe as a whole. Whether it was Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona or Samir Nasri to Manchester City.
MUST READ: 5 Most underperforming EPL teams so far this season
Arsenal have been the nearly club of the Premier League for the last decade or so, finishing in every position but first in the top four placings. That has seen players leave to seek trophies elsewhere. And losing your players to rivals clubs, that has just compounded the issue.
Firstly, it’s made the team weaker and a rival stronger in one fell swoop. But secondly, it’s the wider message it sends out. The message to the rest of the squad, the fans and to any players you may be looking to sign in the future.
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
A message that the club can’t get it done when it counts, and then the best players go elsewhere to win their trophies. You go to Arsenal to catch a break, but then you leave when you’re ready to win prizes. Bellerin is not following that message.
The Spaniard could have left the club for Barcelona or City, where both situations offer him a better chance to win trophies. Instead, he’s decided to stay at Arsenal and believe in the club’s ability to soon be Premier League champions once again.
That’s a different message. The re-signing of Bellerin shows everybody that Arsenal can keep their best players. Their current Premier League form is showing that they can be genuine title challengers, too. However, that also has to continue to the end of the campaign yet.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are also currently in contract talks to decide their futures at the club. They, too, will send a message depending what they ultimately do. Traditionally, at least one of those two would probably leave the club. Arsenal would be left picking up the pieces.
But Bellerin has signalled a significant move away from that. And especially if the Ozil and Sanchez dominoes fall next. This season could be the season of change for the Gunners. Positive change.
Next: Liverpool are clear Premier League title favorites
A change where the club can keep their best players now. A change where everybody wholeheartedly believes in the club’s ability to win trophies. That hasn’t always been the case. But it might be soon.
Hector Bellerin is the first symbol of that.