Arsenal sale of Hector Bellerin makes sense but may also be reckless

The talk about Hector Bellerin returning to Barcelona just won't go away, despite the fact that the right-back committed his longterm future to Arsenal recently.

In fact, speculation is only picking up steam after Spanish media reports claimed Bellerin, a former Barcelona academy product, has agreed to personal terms with his boyhood club.

But would Arsenal really entertain the idea of selling their most promising young player? Perhaps under the right circumstances. Here's a look at the reasons why Arsenal should -- and shouldn't -- consider cashing in ...

Reasons to sell

Arsenal are looking to strengthen the team this summer, not weaken it -- so surely selling one of their best players would be madness? Well, perhaps there is a way a Bellerin sale could help strengthen the team -- if the money he brings in is spent on buying the world class striker Arsenal so badly need.

The club is desperate to make a statement of intent in this transfer window, with speculation mounting about a world record bid for Monaco teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe. While Arsenal should already have the money to pay the £120 million or so that Mbappe is likely to fetch, getting £40m or more for Bellerin should make such a deal much easier to afford -- and leave plenty of money for the salaries of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Bellerin is one of the best young right-backs in the world, but let's face it: having the best right-back won't win you the league. Having the best attack will. If cashing in on Bellerin is what's needed for Arsenal to afford a front three of Sanchez-Ozil-Mbappe next season, then it's a deal worth making -- especially if Wenger intends to stick with a back-three formation.

That tactical switch left Bellerin on the bench when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was fit, as the England international excelled in the right wing-back role. Bellerin showed great potential in that position as well when given the chance but would likely remain the backup to "Ox" next season. And having a £40m player on the bench seems like quite the luxury, especially if it hamstrings Arsenal's transfer plans.