Arsenal's Hector Bellerin 'took pay cut to seal Real Betis move'

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin reportedly took a pay cut in order to seal a return to Spain with Real Betis on loan.

The Spaniard fell out of favour at the Emirates at the back end of the 2020-21 season and was persistently linked with an exit throughout the summer transfer window.

Despite links with a return to Barcelona, Bellerin instead secured a temporary switch to Betis, with the deal not including an option or obligation to buy.

According to The Athletic, Bellerin accepted a salary decrease as part of a return to his homeland, with the right-back leaving Barcelona in 2011 to sign for Arsenal as a 16-year-old.

Mikel Arteta's side moved for versatile Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day, with the former Bologna man now set to compete with Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers for the right-back spot.

A thigh injury prevented Bellerin from making any appearances in the 2021-22 Premier League season before his move to Betis, and his Arsenal deal is due to expire in 2023.