Hector Bellerin dismisses fresh Barcelona talk and expects to report back for Arsenal pre-season

Staying put? Bellerin has distanced himself from reports linking him with an Arsenal exit
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Tom Dutton1 July 2017

Hector Bellerin has reiterated his commitment to Arsenal amid speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona.

Bellerin spent his youth career at Barca before signing his first professional deal with the Gunners and has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp for some time.

But the 22-year-old has knocked back fresh reports suggesting he will look to force through a move to La Liga this summer.

The Spaniard signed a new six-and-a-half-year contract with Arsenal in November 2016, doubling his money to more than £100,000-a-week.

His family returned to Spain to live earlier this year, but it is understood he is not seeking a move away from Emirates Stadium.

The transfer window opened officially on Saturday, but Bellerin expects to return to London to join up with his Arsenal team-mates ahead of the new season.

Speaking after Spain's 1-0 defeat to Germany in the European Under-21 Championship final on Friday, Bellerin said: “I have a contract over there [with Arsenal], I have to report back for pre-season and now is the time for me to just enjoy with my team-mates in Spain for a few days.

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“Enjoy time with the family, have a little break and see each other next season."