Bellerin ‘flattered’ by Blues interest

BELLERIN OPENS DOOR TO CITY MOVE IN SUMMER

HECTOR Bellerin has opened the door to a move to City this summer - admitting he is motivated by Pep Guardiola’s interest.

The Arsenal right-back also describes City assistant Mikel Arteta as a father figure.

Guardiola wanted to sign Bellerin in his first summer at the Etihad, only for Arsene Wenger to block a move.

The Spanish under-21 international has gone on to sign a new contract at the Emirates - but Guardiola remains an admirer.

And the on-going uncertainty over Wenger’s Arsenal future could prove pivotal to City’s hopes of landing him.

Guardiola will sign two new fullbacks this summer, with Bellerin his first choice on the right.

Barcelona are also interested but there is a belief that the 22-year-old favours a move to City over a return to the Nou Camp, where he started his career.

He said: “I know there has been interest from City, it’s a compliment. That a coach like Guardiola wants you in his ranks is very nice, that is what motivates me even more, a sign that things are going well, but I still have a long way to go and to improve.”

Bellerin insists former Arsenal team-mate Arteta never pushed him to switch clubs.

“Mikel is a very honest person, he never wanted to take me there,” he said.

“He knows what is best for me, Arteta is very special to me, he has been like a second father, he helped me a lot when I arrived at Arsenal, on and off the pitch.

“I have a lot of affection and respect for him.

“At the moment I’m very happy where I am, focused on finishing the season, and the Under-21s, at Arsenal and then what comes, will come.”