LONDON, United Kingdom, Oct 13 – Arsene Wenger has put an end to rumours that Spain international defender Hector Bellerin was on his way out of Arsenal.
The 21-year-old former Barcelona youth player has been linked with a return to his former club following increasingly impressive performances in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City have also been linked with the talented right-back but ahead of their clash with Swansea, the Gunners boss categorically ruled out a move for the defender.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he said: “He has nearly three years to go, we always try to get the players to the financial level where we think they deserve to be.
“We will try to extend his contract, his long-term future is here.
“He has been absolutely fantastic. His first game was a nightmare. The season before he was at Watford where he didn’t play.
“His progress has been brilliant because he has absolutely top mental strength.
“He is at a team that meets his needs and values. He came at a very young age. He is an Arsenal player.”
Wenger also backed Gareth Southgate for the England job while reiterating his stance that his immediate future lies with Arsenal.
He added: “I focus on my job.
“I believe that he has accumulated experiences now. He was a good observer of what was going on in the England national team. We are in a job where people question, especially when you don’t have much experience.
“At some stage that is the difficulty in England, there’s always the demand for the big names. The most important thing is competence. I’m happy he has an opportunity.”
The veteran manager also gave his backing to new Swans boss Bob Bradley as he prepares to come up against the former Le Havre manager.
“Bob Bradley has big experiences, he’s not a beginner. It’s good for the Premier league because it’s taking off in the States,” Wenger said.
“You do not want to create scepticism because of where you are from, what is important is you are qualified to do your job.”