Contract Issue: Bellerin Would Sign New Deal Soon Says Agent

Albert Botines has said that his client, Hector Bellerin is close to signing a new Arsenal contract. The Spain right-back has repeatedly denied he is interested in rejoining Barcelona, the hometown club he left for north London in 2011.

Botines said Bellerin is on the verge of committing beyond the end of his current deal, which still has more than two years to run. He said “We are speaking and are now a lot closer than we were two weeks ago. In a normal situation he will sign. Hector is very happy at Arsenal. This would be the fourth time he has signed a new contract at the club and it is clear he has made good progress.”

Bellerin joked last month he would refuse to answer the phone if Barca called and last week made it clear he sees his future at Arsenal, where he is established as first-choice right-back.