Arsenal fans will be bracing themselves after months of speculation about the future of one of their star performers from last season, Hector Bellerin.
And latest reports suggest that they may already be lining up a replacement right-back for next season.
Sky Sports reports:
Byram is reportedly being lined up as a replacement for Hector Bellerin by Arsene Wenger.
That’s Sam Byram who only sealed a transfer to West Ham from Leeds in January. That was a four and a half year deal but it’s unlikely to provide a major obstacle if the player wants a move.
The adaptable 22-year-old right-sided player, who has been known to operate on the wing as well as in his more customary defensive position, moved to The Hammers for an undisclosed fee and has played 4 times for the club since his arrival.
But he played 143 times in The Championship for Leeds and scored 10 goals so he has decent experience in a tough league.
But that won’t wash with many an Arsenal fan who would see the swapping of Bellerin for Byram as another example of selling the crown jewels when elite clubs come knocking.
Bellerin was a sensation for Arsenal last season with 44 appearances and one goal and has been regularly linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona this summer.
Byram may be seen as having a similar skill set but would surely need at least a year or two to get up to speed at a club of Arsenal’s level.
Gunners fans will hope that any Byram transfer will be as back up to rather than a replacement for the jet-heeled Spaniard.
Let’s see some of Byram’s better work in his early career.