Hector Bellerin has moved to quieten speculation over a possible move to Barcelona by insisting he would not pick up the phone if the Catalan giants tried to contact him.
The full-back has reportedly emerged as a target for Luis Enrique’s side after consistently impressing for the Gunners since bursting into the first team.
The Catalan giants have struggled to replace Dani Alves, who left for Juventus in the summer, at right-back prompting speculation Bellerin could return to Camp Nou.
However, the 21-year-old has boosted Gunners fans by appearing not to be interested in a move to Luis Enrique’s side when asked what he would do if they got in touch.
“If Barcelona contact me right now? I won’t pick up the phone,” he told DW Channel.
Bellerin’s words will no doubt delight Arsenal fans who will be desperate for the youngster to stay and commit his future to the club after emerging as a key figure in the first team.
Manchester City have also been linked with a move for Bellerin, with Pep Guardiola reportedly keen, while Arsene Wenger has insisted that Bellerin’s long-term future is at the club.
Bellerin is not the only player whose Arsenal future is the subject of much debate. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are still to agree contract extensions while Wenger has yet to decide his future after this season.
Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla are also out of contract at the end of his season meaning the Gunners have some work to do to keep hold of their best players.