Hector Bellerin, Arsenal Agree New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction
Hector Bellerin signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on Monday.
The Spanish right-back's previous deal was set to run until 2019, but he has been rewarded for his consistent excellence with an extended contract.
News that Bellerin, 21, had put pen to paper was confirmed by the club's official website. The Gunners posted the following on their Twitter feed:
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Meanwhile, the man himself posted the following on his own Twitter account:
"Yess Gunners!! I've just signed my new contract. I'll be giving all my reaction right now on my Snapchat (@HectorBellerin) & a giveaway❤️ pic.twitter.com/xiZuD11wMD
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) November 21, 2016"
Rumours had previously suggested Bellerin was a key target for Barcelona, where the defender spent time in the academy before moving to Arsenal in 2011, per Sport (via MailOnline's Ben Nagle).
Reports of him potentially departing the Emirates Stadium should now disappear, and it is a huge boost for Arsenal that Bellerin has committed his future to the club, as he is one of the best players in manager Arsene Wenger's squad.
| Season | Appearances (as a sub) | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| 2016-17 | 11 | 990 | 0 | 1 |
| 2015-16 | 36 | 3240 | 1 | 5 |
| 2014-15 | 17(3) | 1562 | 2 | 1 |
An asset both defensively and bombing forward down the flank, the Spain international made the right-back berth in north London his own in 2015-16 as he enjoyed a stellar season, starting 36 of Arsenal's 38 Premier League matches, per WhoScored.com.
Bellerin has continued his fine form in 2016-17 and been a key player for Arsenal in their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004 as well as the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.
News of him penning a new deal will come as a relief to the Arsenal faithful, who have seen numerous key players depart for Barca in recent seasons. Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Thomas Vermaelen and Alex Song all swapped the Emirates for the Camp Nou.
Equally, Bellerin himself will now be able to focus solely on his performances on the pitch without the potential distractions of rumours linking him with a move away.
