Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Hector Bellerin and Henrikh Mkhitaryan Rumours

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has hailed the abilities of "fantastic" Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin but said the club isn't "planning anything" for the defender this summer. Elsewhere, Juventus have reportedly entered talks to sign Gunners target Henrikh Mkhitaryan. 

Speaking at Barca's end-of-season press conference, Fernandez hushed talk of a hunt to sign La Masia academy product Bellerin despite Dani Alves' impending departure: "Hector Bellerin? I'm not planning anything. He is a fantastic player, but I'm not planning any situation."

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However, it's also noted by the Mirror's Ed Malyon that Fernandez's further comments suggested the Catalan native could be brought back to the Camp Nou: "To know how to play in Barcelona defensively is very difficult. You have to give importance to these players."

At the same press conference, the Barcelona executive confirmed speculation Alves is leaving Barca amid rumours of a move to Juventus: "Alves has decided to leave us. Dani is fantastic but he's leaving because of his own decision and we have got to respect that. It’s a very personal decision that we accept and there’s nothing more to say.”

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The Blaugrana have right-backs Aleix Vidal and Douglas as back-ups to Alves for the time being, but the sense is that a replacement of a higher calibre will be required.

Bellerin earned his second cap for Spain on Wednesday in a 6-1 thumping of South Korea, and ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan highlighted his transition into the national team fold was smooth, where he collected a superb assist:

Spain's Barcelona-dominated squad play in a similar style to the Liga champions—five of Vicente del Bosque's 23-man Euro 2016 roster play at the Camp Nou, making them the most heavily represented club.

However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail to retain the services of the 21-year-old, who moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2011 and has since risen to become a key Arsenal player.

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The Gunners' transfer prospects have also been hurt following reports Borussia Dortmund ace Mkhitaryan has been offered €4 million a year (£3.1 million) to join Juventus, per Italian daily Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia).

However, the report added the Armenia international's representative, Mino Raiola, is seeking closer to €6 million (£4.6 million) in annual wages, as the Mirror's Alex Richards noted:

It's also mentioned Mkhitaryan has rejected a new contract at Signal Iduna Park, and with only a year remaining on his current deal, the Black and Yellows face the prospect of losing their man for nothing next summer.

Mkhitaryan scored 18 goals and made 20 assists in 48 appearances last season, and with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez already among their ranks, Arsenal could add another creative powerhouse with his acquisition.