Arsenal put their foot down in Bellerin transfer talks after public exit plea

Arsenal are refusing to release Hector Bellerin from his contract and allow him to join Real Betis after spending the season on loan there.

The right-back made his feelings clear ahead of the summer transfer window when he insisted he wanted to remain in Spain. The 27-year-old enjoyed his year-long stint at Betis, while his family are all die-hard fans.

It had been hoped that a deal could be struck that would see Bellerin remain in Seville but it would have relied on the Gunners releasing the Spaniard from his contract. Betis are strapped for cash while the defender has one year left on his contract.

However, Arsenal are not prepared to scrap Bellerin's contract and let him leave for nothing, report Estadio Deportivo. Instead, they are demanding a transfer fee but would also consider a swap deal.

While Real might be Bellerin's preferred choice, there is plenty of interest in his services. The report also states that Roma, Fiorentina, Juventus and Inter Milan are all keeping tabs on the situation. Barcelona, where the Spain international came up through the academy, are in the race as well.

It would, therefore, make little sense to allow the full-back to join Betis on a free transfer when there could be business to be made. Arsenal are already looking to bolster the squad and are in need of whatever funds they can get.

However, the Gunners cannot force Bellerin to go to a different club - whether or not there is more money involved. In fact, the player is willing to reduce his £100,000-a-week wages by half to secure a move to the Benito Villamarin Stadium.

Last month, the Arsenal ace said: "I have made my position clear to both club. Now we have two months to get the best deal for all three parties.

"I have always said, I made an effort to come here and I am willing to make every effort to keep it going because it is my home and I am happy.

"It is also true that I had very nice moments in London, in England. Arsenal has given a lot, the opportunity to be a professional. If I leave, it will be difficult, but hopefully everything goes as we want."

Bellerin made 32 appearances across all competitions throughout the season while with Betis and helped them lift the Copa del Rey. Under Manuel Pellegrini, they lifted their first trophy in 17 years while the defender was holding back tears on the final home game of the season.