Arsenal knock back Barca over Bellerin

Arsenal appear to have repelled FC Barcelona’s interest in Hector Bellerín - for now, at least - after the Nou Camp club contacted Valencia over defender Joao Cancelo.

Barca have been unexpectedly plunged into the market for a right-back after Dani Alves agreed a three-year deal with Juventus.

The Nou Camp club are powerless to stop the Brazilian international from walking away for free after agreeing to a clause in his new two-year contract last summer, and now have turned their attentions to replacing the 33-year-old.

Initial contact last week was met with a firm response from the Gunners, who told Barca they would not be willing to sell the 21-year-old at any price.