Hector Bellerin to Real Betis is 'difficult, but not impossible' sources have told football.london, as his departure from Arsenal looms.
The Gunners right back, who has two years remaining on his current contract, is keen on leaving north London this summer after spending over a decade at the club, and has previously revealed his affinity with Betis after his dad bought him a Los Verdiblancos shirt when he was growing up.
Betis sporting director Antonio Cordon has already met with Bellerin's agent at their club offices to discuss a potential move, although it is understood that the La Liga side's financial problems are likely to prove the biggest obstacle to a transfer.
Cordon knows Arsenal technical director Edu well after sounding out the possibility of signing Emi Martinez last summer, before the Argentine goalkeeper joined Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £20million.
Bellerin's former Arsenal teammate Dani Ceballos, who won't be returning to the club for a third loan spell, has told Spanish media that the Barcelona-born defender is "Betis to the max".
"I have not spoken with him because of the 300 days in the season, I have spent 299 with him - almost 18 hours a day, and now it is time to distance ourselves a little," Ceballos told Canal Sur Radio.
"But what I can say is that he is Betis to the max. He is clear that his feeling towards Betis is undeniable and his father tells him, according to the rumours that have been mentioned, 'Héctor, if you go to Sevilla I'm not going to watch you play', because he is a big Betis fan.
"Hector has a contract with Arsenal and it would be disrespectful to the [talk more] club where he is happy."
Talks are set to continue with a number of clubs as Bellerin looks to depart London this summer.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is expected to leave Arsenal in the coming weeks with Jose Mourinho's Roma in advanced talks to sign the Swiss midfielder on a long-term contract.
