Hector Bellerin reportedly turned down strong interest from Manchester City before agreeing a new deal with Arsenal, according to reports in The Guardian.
The 21-year-old recently signed a new six-year-deal at the Emirates worth £115k a week, following weeks of speculation linking the Spaniard with a moveto Eastlands.
Money's not everything after all: Why Héctor BellerÃn said no to Pep Guardiola and Man City: https://t.co/ZF3L8Kb5X7 By @DaveHytner #afc
Reports suggest that City had been tracking the right back for some time, after new manager Pep Guardiola had identified Bellerin as key target. The former Barcelona boss was keen to find a full-back who not only had experience of playingin England, but would also uphold Guardiola's attacking principles.
It is understood that City contacted the player's representatives numerous times and although they tried to sell the move on a playing basis, they are believed to have made it clear that Bellerin would also receive a hefty pay-rise, should he have agreed to move to the Etihad.
Despite City's insistence that they were willing to pay whatever for the Spaniard's services, Arsenal remained adamant that their man was not for sale at any price and The Guardian report that Bellerin himself,was never interested in a potential move.
The paper suggest that the right-back wanted to show loyalty to both Arsene Wenger and the club (a rare commodity in 21st century football), after they stuck by him following a difficult first few matches in the first team.
Ian Wright says Hector Bellerin is already one of the world's best three right-backs. No doubt. pic.twitter.com/9Tq9r7WsAL
Bellerin was also believed to be wary of the impact the move would have on his career and having considered the fate of previous Arsenal stars who had failed to make an impression in the game following their exit from the Emirates, the youngster decided that his long term future remained with the Gunners.
Bellerin will now have his faith in Arsenal immediately tested, as they travel to the Etihad this Sunday to face Manchester City in what will undoubtedly be a must win game for both sides as they look to hunt down run-away leaders Chelsea.