Wenger opens up on crucial Arsenal deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made a bold statement on the future of his sought after right-back, Hector Bellerin, whilst speaking ahead of the Gunners Premier League game with Swansea.

The 21-year-old has been linked with moves to both Man City and back to Barcelona in recent weeks, whilst the North London side have been desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal at The Emirates in order to deter interest from potential suitors.

Whilst previewing Saturday’s clash, which will see an American manager take charge in the Premier League for the first time as Bob Bradley takes his Swansea side to the capital, the Gunners boss seemed confident.

“He has nearly three years to go and we always try get the players to the level where we think they deserve to be,” the 66-year-old told reporters. “So we try to extend, certainly, his contract. For me, his long-term future is here.

“What is important is that a player meets his needs where he is and his values, and I think he integrated very well with the values of our club.

“He came at a very, very young age of 16. I think he is a real Arsenal player.”

Wenger went onto praise the Spaniard’s remarkable progression since arriving from Barcelona.

“His progress has been absolutely spectacular because he has top mental strength.

“I think he loves as well to be here and he has responsibilities already in the dressing room for such a young age. It’s something remarkable.”

The Gunners are looking to make it six wins from six in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, a run which began with their 3-1 over Bellerin’s former loan club, Watford.