Skip to content

Report: Atletico prepared to test Arsenal's resolve with Bellerin bid

Chloe Knott - Danehouse / Getty Images Sport / Getty

While it would seem unlikely that Arsenal is willing to do away with star right-back Hector Bellerin, Atletico Madrid are reportedly looking to challenge Unai Emery's willpower.

According to the Telegraph's Matt Law, Atletico will attempt to do so by offering former Emery pupil Vitolo in return.

Bellerin, who was enjoying a bounce-back campaign before suffering a serious knee injury versus Chelsea in January, was previously linked with both a Barcelona return and a Juventus switch. The latter club was reportedly put off by Arsenal's £50-million valuation of the defender last summer.

It's unlikely that the Gunners have dropped their appraisal of the pacey full-back with four years left on a contract extension penned in November 2016, especially as the club looks to rebuild with an emphasis on emerging talents.

Meanwhile, Atletico are looking ahead to a summer of widespread change. With veteran Juanfran set to leave the Wanda Metropolitano, manager Diego Simeone is in the market for a right-back to share duties with Santiago Arias.

Vitola, who has scored just one league goal in two seasons in the Spanish capital, played under Emery at Sevilla.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox