Arsenal Transfer News: Hector Bellerin, Manchester City Pursuit Angers Gunners

Arsenal are reportedly "fuming" with Manchester City as they believe the Sky Blues are responsible for Hector Bellerin's contract negotiations stalling. 

According to David Anderson of the Mirror, the Gunners are attempting to tie down the Spaniard to a new deal but believe City's interest in him has caused him to become "unsettled."

Indeed, Arsenal "were so annoyed they contacted City’s chief negotiator Txiki Begiristain to issue an angry hands-off warning to the Blues and their director of football."

City are in the market for a new right-back, with Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta now in their 30s, and Bellerin—who rose through the ranks at Barcelona while manager Pep Guardiola was in charge—would make an outstanding capture.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a top player in his position over the last two seasons, so it's little surprise Arsenal have offered him a five-year deal despite being given a new contract last year.

Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe was impressed with him last year:

The youngster ended up travelling to UEFA Euro 2016 with La Roja after Dani Carvajal's injury in the UEFA Champions League final, though he didn't get on the field due to Spain's wealth of options at right-back.

Bellerin ended Arsenal's campaign with eight assists in all competitions as well as one goal, and he stood out thanks to his electric pace up and down the right flank.

Here's a look at his numbers in the Premier League, per Squawka:

Apps	36
Goals	1
Assists	5
Tackles	47
Aerial Duels	38
Interceptions	67
Clearances	105
Take-Ons	63
Chances Created	22
Pass Completion	86%

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Bellerin is set to stay put at the Emirates Stadium, according to Goal's Chris Wheatley:

It's of vital importance to Arsenal that he does so, as he is one of their most promising young players to emerge in recent years, and he's already among the best in his position in the league.

The Gunners are right to be wary of City, though—they've lost the likes of Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Sagna and Gael Clichy to the Manchester outfit, who in recent years have been able to offer more money and silverware.

Guardiola's arrival will only make the club stronger and more appealing, and it will also add to Arsenal's struggles to compete.

If the Gunners are to finally lift the Premier League title once again, keeping Bellerin and their other top stars is a must.