Hector Bellerin to Barcelona: Arsenal negotiating new deal to warn off interest in Spanish right back

ARSENAL are already in negotiation with Hector Bellerin over a new contract extension, according to reports in Spain.

Barcelona have huge interest in the 21-year-old after losing long-term right-back Dani Alves to Juventus on a free transfer.

However, according to Diario Sport, they won’t be able to get their top target as the Gunners have already made contact with his representatives to hammer out a new deal.

Bellerin, who was named in the PFA Premier League team of the year last season after a brilliant campaign, has a contract until the end of 2019.

The Spaniard would be in line for a significant increase in his salary, while Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger would also like to extend his deal until at least 2021.

Bellerin would appear to be a perfect fit from the La Liga champions’ point of view, given he trained at La Masia as a youth and is from the Catalan city.

Not only are Barcelona reeling from Alves’ exit, there appears to be a lack of top class right-backs in the Brazilian’s mould on the market.

Valencia right back Joao Cancelo is reported to be Barca’s second-choice option at the position, which has become a top priority for sporting director Robert Fernandez.

Bellerin is one player who could continue in Alves’ footsteps but the Gunners are desperate to keep him with several clubs in need.

Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain are also weak at the position.

Last season, Laurent Blanc often had to play centre-back Marquinhos at the position, with Gregory van der Wiel never reaching his potential – the Dutchman has now left PSG.