Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Hector Bellerin and Per Mertesacker

Manchester City are ready to spend £40 million to sign Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin next summer.

That’s according to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror, who stated that City boss Pep Guardiola will be handed a further £150 million to strengthen his squad over the next year. As well as the Spain international, Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci are said to be targets.

It’s said in the report that a January deal for the 21-year-old is unlikely, although the Etihad Stadium side will push hard at the end of the campaign. However, Arsenal are said to be “determined” to keep hold of the adventurous right-back.

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Bellerin has cemented his status in the Gunners side after joining the club from Barcelona in 2011. His rapid forays up and down the flank have given the team an edge in their attacking play, while his energy has also proved crucial in defence.

As these numbers from Squawka Football illustrate, Bellerin is brilliant at getting forward and influencing proceedings in the final third:

It’s no surprise Guardiola is said to be a big admirer of the player. The coach loves his full-backs to push forward and add width to attacks, although he occasionally demands that they funnel into midfield, allowing wingers to hug the touchline. Bellerin has shown he can do both when required.

A sum of £40 million may sound like a lot for a right-back, but Arsenal would likely still be reluctant to sell. Bellerin is already one of European football’s best in the role, still has room to improve and can be a building block at the Emirates Stadium for many years. City would find it difficult to prise him away.

Per Mertesacker Discusses Future

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Veteran Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker has admitted he is considering his future at the club.

The Gunners moved to sign Shkodran Mustafi during the summer, and he’s proved to be a strong partner for Frenchman Laurent Koscielny. Rob Holding and Gabriel Paulista are also battling for a spot in the first team.

Mertesacker has missed the start of the Premier League season through injury and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, has conceded he’s pondering a move, per Jack Austin of The Independent:

"

I am a person who likes to create options for himself.

Of course, I ask myself what would make sense if things were to end at Arsenal. Where can I be of any help? What do I want? Could I maybe return to Germany?

I look at the perspectives for me and my family, and I think that I’ll intensify those thoughts from January on. That’s also the time when you can listen to other things when your contract is expiring.

"

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The 32-year-old has been much-maligned at times since moving to the Emirates Stadium in 2011, although he’s been a solid option at the back for the Gunners. Mertesacker leads by example at the team's base, is a fine reader of the game and provides Arsenal with a strong aerial presence when in the team.

However, as noted by football writer Clark Whitney, in Mustafi, manager Arsene Wenger looks to have landed a natural successor to the former Germany international:

"

Mustafi to Arsenal: Keeping the German connection at AFC as Mertesacker ages. A quality CB & with a long shelf life

— Clark Whitney (@Mr_Bundesliga) August 30, 2016"

Given the performances of the new Gunners defender, it’s difficult to see Mertesacker retaking his spot in the side once he returns to full fitness. And for a player of his age, that’ll be a concern, as he’ll want to be playing regular football in the final years of his career.

The defender was only named as club captain in the summer, so perhaps Wenger still sees him as a key part of his plans moving forward. However, with his contract’s expiration edging ever closer, speculation about his future will continue to swirl.