Arsenal appear to have repelled Barcelona’s interest in Hector Bellerín – for now, at least – after the Nou Camp club contacted Valencia over defender Joao Cancelo, reports the Mirror.
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.
Bellerín, a La Masia product, was the preferred option of sporting director Robert Fernandez but Barcelona found Arsenal in no mood for selling.
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.
Bellerín admitted he was happy to hear of the Nou Camp club’s interest , but with Arsenal determined not to budge Barcelona have begun to look elsewhere.
SPORT , a Barcelona-based newspaper, have revealed that Los Cules are now negotiating with Valencia over full-back Joao Cancelo.
The young Portuguese international is considered one of the hottest prospects in Europe at his position and can also function on the right of midfield, as he did under Gary Neville’s reign in Spain.
Cancelo, 22, would be expected to cost around £25million but Valencia’s interest in fringe Barca players – including Marc Bartra, Cristian Tello and Alen Halilovic – will help negotiations, while the clubs enjoy a good relationship at board level.
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