Arsenal Transfer News: Hector Bellerin Contract Prepared Amid Barcelona Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to offer right-back Hector Bellerin a new contract in an attempt to ward of interest from Barcelona.

According to John Cross in the Mirror, Bellerin "is being eyed for a return to the Spanish giants he left in 2011," but Arsenal are now looking to tie him to a new deal, even though his current contract still has three years left to run.

Cross added that, despite their "public admiration" for the 21-year-old, Barca have yet to make an official approach for the Spaniard who spent eight years in the Catalans' youth ranks before moving to north London.

However, Spanish outlet El Confidencial (via Sport Witness) accused Barca of "[disrespecting] Arsenal by going behind their back and contacting the defender" after the La Liga giants' transfer chief, Robert Fernandez, said "we always respect the club and the player."

No matter the approach from Barca—underhand or otherwise—it seems unlikely that they will be able to re-sign Bellerin just yet as he is a key part of the Arsenal setup.

He is now manager Arsene Wenger's undisputed first-choice right-back and, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, was eclipsed only by Mesut Ozil last season among Arsenal's top performers in the Premier League:

It is something of a no-brainer for Arsenal that they should try to tie him down to a new long-term contract as soon as possible at the first sniff of suitors circling.

The Gunners famously lost Cesc Fabregas in 2011 as he could not resist the pull back to Barcelona, and  Arsenal will hope to avoid a similar saga emerging with Bellerin.

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Per Cross, the player himself has already said he is happy at Arsenal and "club chiefs are hopeful he will sign a new deal, even though it may not be agreed or announced imminently."

Bellerin is currently with the Spain national squad as they prepare for Euro 2016 after he was included in Vicente del Bosque's 23-man group following Dani Carvajal's injury.

Per El Confidencial's report, the call-up "has increased his standing in Barcelona circles," and Arsenal fans may be hoping Bellerin has an unspectacular tournament in France to cool the Blaugrana's interest.