Should Arsenal allow Bellerin and Torreira to leave this summer if they are pursued?

Even with all of the chaos and uncertainty surrounding world football right now due to COVID-19, the rumor mill is in full throttle with all sorts of names bantering about regarding who’s staying and who’s going.

At the Emirates, the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drama has been endlessly documented, and so have a few others. Now, we hear through the grapevine Hector Bellerin (Inter Milan) and Lucas Torreira (AC Milan) could also be on some Italians’ wish lists. So, the question is this. If Arsenal had an opportunity to sell one or both of these players, would either or both be a good idea?

Bellerin currently has a market value of $45-million (USD), while Torreira is worth $49.5-million (USD). Obviously, Arsenal could use that cash to allow Mikel Arteta to build a team with players he wants. Does that mean Hector and Lucas aren’t Arteta-type players?

In my opinion, Bellerin is not the player he used to be. I think last season’s injury not only took away some of his pace, it also took away some of his confidence. If you compare him to Bukayo Saka, who played a lot at left fullback this season, you would see a big difference between the two with Bellerin’s diminishing ability to penetrate, cross, and finish. Plus, Bellerin has also lost some of his defensive skills. Now, who’s to say this extended rest period won’t help Bellerin rebound, however, I think if Arsenal can make a move and replace him with a Saka or Tierney type player, the Gunners should jump at the chance. Bellerin has always been one of my favorite Gunners, however, this might be the time for both parties to part ways and move on.

Here is a list of potential right backs that might be available to replace Bellerin if he would move on…
Max Aarons, 20, Norwich City, £25M
Achraf Hakimi, 21, Real Madrid (on loan at Dortmund), £40M
Sergino Dest, Ajax, 19, £25M
Thomas Meunier, 28, PSG, Free
Nelson Semedo, 26, Barcelona, £35M
Cedric Soares, Southampton, 28, free
Denzel Dumfries, 23, PSV, £35M
Noussair Mazraoui, 22, Ajax, £25M
Lukas Klostermann, 23, Leipzig, £35M
Matt Doherty, 28, Wolves, £30M

Concerning Torreira, I think the young Uruguayan has too much potential in his tank to let him go. Since Arteta has allowed him to play a more aggressive midfield position, his stock has risen, and so has his productivity. Once he fully recovers from his ankle injury, he could see a lot of playing time next season – especially if Dani Ceballos departs the club. I think Lucas is more talented than Mateo Guendouzi, plus he is a better passer and defender than the young Frenchman. Torreira should stay!

Those are my thoughts.

Cheers, and stay healthy!

Gunner1953