Bacary Sagna discusses Arsenal star Hector Bellerin, and a possible replacement

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Bacary Sagna has told Goal that Hector Bellerin might want to leave Arsenal this summer in order to challenge himself and expects the Gunners to have a replacement in mind – commenting on Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi.

Bellerin, 26, has been linked with a move away from Arsenal for some time – with Barcelona said to be considering a move to bring the Spain international back to the club he left as a teenager. The Gunners might need a replacement.

Morocco international Hakimi, who has already turned out for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and now Inter Milan, is said to be a target for The Gunners – as per Goal – despite his impressive Inter form under Antonio Conte.

Still only 22, Hakimi has had a hand in 12 goals during 34 games from right-back – scoring both six and creating six this season. Sagna has explained why Bellerin might want to leave, and also discussed Hakimi.

“Hector has been there for years,” Sagna said. “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. 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.I am sure they are assessing the situation quite well and they already have someone in mind.

“Hakimi is never tired, he’s always going forward. He’s so fast. I was surprised when I saw him playing for Madrid. You could see the potential, but I never expected him to do as well as he is doing now.”

TBR’s view – Bellerin out, Hakimi in, would be stunning business

Bellerin has been an excellent servant for Arsenal but as managers become stale at a club, so do players – especially in Bellerin’s case. As Sagna says, he needs to join a new team that excites him and is a new challenge.

Arsenal will be sad to see him go but bringing in a replacement, such as Hakimi, would be excellent business. Hakimi cost Inter £35million (Goal) and it remains to be seen how much he would cost. But he would be a top, top signing.