Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin

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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he had concerns that Hector Bellerin may leave Arsenal in the summer, but insisted that he has looked a completely different player in recent times, in comments reported by Football London.

It looked set to be a crucial summer for Bellerin. He is 25 now and should be coming into the best years of his career. However, he only started 13 times in the Premier League last term, largely due to injury.

And he has been linked with a move away. The Daily Express, for example, reported in July that Paris Saint-Germain were keen on the Spaniard.

Obviously, it is not clear how close PSG came to signing Bellerin. But Arteta did confirm following Sunday’s win over Sheffield United that Bellerin had come close to quitting the Emirates. But he lauded the defender’s attitude after committing his future to the Gunners.

“Yes because I understand that after such a long time in the club and a lot of things that happened in his development,” he said, as reported by Football London, when asked whether he feared Bellerin may leave.

“Obviously he doubted if he is still ok to continue, what his ambitions are, how can I evolve here. What I liked is he came to me and said ‘I can see what we’re trying to do here and I’m convinced that it’s the right place for me’.

“Then when you close that window you can open the next one. He was a completely different player that I could see training because his energy as well and his willingness to do all the time a little bit more.”

TBR View: Bellerin getting back to his best

He went on to provide two assists against the Blades. While the second goal largely came about from some outstanding work from Nicolas Pepe, Bellerin can certainly take a lot of credit for the first goal.

It was an excellent cross for Bukayo Saka. And it was a reminder of the quality Bellerin can provide when he is at his best.

Judging by Arteta’s comments, he is rapidly approaching that level once again.