Sagna suggests Arsenal star wants a summer exit

The former Gunners full-back has compared Bellerin’s possible reasons for wanting to leave to those of his own when he left the club.

Bacary Sagna reckons Hector Bellerin may feel the need to leave Arsenal in the summer for a “new challenge”, but stressed it’s no reflection on the club.

Bellerin has been a part of Arsenal set-up since 2011. He’s made 234 appearances during a decade-long spell, winning three FA Cup and Community Shield titles.

But at the age of 26, along with his contract expiring in 2023, doubts have crept in over Bellerin’s future. Hometown club Barcelona, who he represented at youth level, and French champions Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in him.

Real Betis right-back Emerson Royal is reportedly a prime contender to replace Hector Bellerin at Arsenal pic.twitter.com/uL83ef449P

— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) March 25, 2021

Now Sagna, who ended a similarly successful spell at the Emirates for a transfer to Manchester City in 2014, gave his views on Bellerin’s future.

“Hector has been there for years,” the retired full-back told Goal. “He started playing not long after I left, so he has been in the team for like six years.

“And a bit like I felt, he probably feels that he wants to challenge himself because he has been there for a long time.

“It’s nothing to do with the club, nothing to do with winning cups or whatever.

“At some point if you want to progress, in my mind you need to go somewhere and challenge yourself and start from zero again. This is how I felt.”