Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Mauricio Lemos and Hector Bellerin

Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos has revealed why he turned down the chance to join Barcelona, citing a potential lack of playing time as the reason.

Spanish daily Sport (h/t Stefan Coerts of Goal) quoted the Uruguayan discussing the potential transfer to the Camp Nou, with the player admitting he did not seriously contemplate the switch:

"

We are talking about one of the best clubs in the world. At the age of 20 and with the offer on the table, I would not have got much playing time.

I think staying at Las Palmas was the best option for me. Anything can happen in football. I am only thinking about Las Palmas right now and about having the best season possible.

I always knew I wanted to stay. I just tried to be calm about it all. I am fine here and did not consider leaving.

When I came here, I said that I wanted to take the time necessary to grow and develop. Las Palmas is the perfect place to keep on improving the areas where I need to get better.

"

The youngster impressed during his cameos in LaLiga last term, making 10 appearance for his club, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is the talent in action for Los Amarillo:

Although little was known about the player before he made the switch to Spain, Opta’s Jamie Kemp thought he’d be a solid addition for Barca in recent times:

In other news, the Blaugrana will consider an approach for former youth player Hector Bellerin of Arsenal, after Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre called the full-back a “great player.”

Mestre proclaimed, according to ESPN FC: "He's a great player, there's no doubt about that. [Arsene] Wenger convinced him to move and promised him something which we couldn’t. We could not promise him that within two years he would be playing in Dani Alves' place.”

Alex Morton/Getty Images

According to Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Arsenal are said to be “accustomed to selling” and may let the right-back return to Catalonia for €35 million (£30 million) next summer.

Bellerin has developed into a classy full-back at Arsenal, and his combination of power and pace has won him many fans in England.

The Spaniard would fit into Barca's preferred style under manager Luis Enrique, but the Gunners will be desperate to hold on to the defender after grounding him in the Premier League, showing faith in his talent.

Bellerin could develop into one of the best right-backs in world football in the next year, and Wenger would be foolish to entertain a sale anytime soon.