Bacary Sagna suggests Hector Bellerin to leave Arsenal – ‘He wants a new challenge’

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin may want to take on a “new challenge” according to Bacary Sagna, who may consider moving on.

The Spaniard burst onto the scene in the Emirates after joining their youth ranks in 2011.

He has helped the club win several FA Cups, but he always faced his fair share of criticism.

Barcelona were once linked with his services and Mikel Arteta is in the process of reshaping his squad.

Sagna believes Bellerin may feel like now is a great time to try something new – which doesn’t reflect the club.

“Hector has been there for years,” he told Goal. “He started playing shortly after I left, so he’s been with the team for about six years.

“And much like I felt, he probably feels like he wants to question himself because he’s been there for a long time.

“It has nothing to do with the club, nothing to do with winning cups or anything.

“At some point if you want to progress, in my mind you have to go somewhere, challenge yourself and start over.

Arsenal clinched gold on the left side of their defense with Kieran Tierney consistently producing high levels.

The Gunners are reportedly targeting Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi, who could replace Bellerin if he were to move on.

Sagna admits being surprised by the Moroccan’s rapid rise.

“I’m sure they assess the situation well enough and that they already have someone in mind [if Bellerin leaves],” he added.

“Hakimi is never tired, he always goes forward. He’s so fast.

“I was surprised when I saw him play for Madrid because for me he was not very good. You could see the potential, but I didn’t expect him to do as well as he does now. “