Arsenal Transfer News: Hector Bellerin Boost Amid Barcelona, Joao Cancelo Talks

Arsenal have reportedly been given a boost in their hopes of keeping hold of right-back Hector Bellerin by the news that Barcelona are pursuing Valencia's Joao Cancelo as they attempt to find a long-term replacement for Dani Alves.

Paul Hirst in the Times recently reported that Bellerin, 21, could be tempted by a move to either Barca or Manchester City in the summer and so reject Arsenal's offer of a new five-year deal—his current contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in 2019.

However, according to Sport (via Ed Malyon in the Mirror), the Camp Nou giants may no longer be a problem for the Gunners, as the Catalans are already in talks with Valencia over signing Cancelo, who would likely cost them £20-25 million.

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Per Malyon, reports in Catalunya indicated Aleix Vidal could be used in part-exchange for Cancelo, 22, but either way, he would cost "around half" what Barca would need to sign Bellerin and would be a far easier purchase to pull off.

Portugal international Cancelo moved to Valencia in 2015 for £12 million and could be the man Barcelona need to replace Alves, who left for Juventus in the summer.

Former Los Che boss Gary Neville touted him as an ideal successor to the Brazilian, per Malyon:

If Barcelona can seal the signing of Cancelo in January to fill the right-back role at the Camp Nou—a role that currently belongs to an out-of-position Sergi Roberto—it would be a huge relief for Arsenal. 

Bellerin is one of the Gunners' best players, but having started his career at Barca's La Masia academy, the possibility of him wanting to return to the Camp Nou can never be ruled out.

The Catalan giants had also previously dropped strong hints that they were after the Spaniard, with club vice-president Jordi Mestre labelling Bellerin a "great player" and citing Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Denis Suarez as players who have left Barcelona as youngsters only to return later in their careers, per Sport (h/t the Evening Standard).

If Barca have turned their attention to Cancelo, it is perhaps an indication that Bellerin is no longer on their radar.

The defender's Barcelona connection could still come back to bite Arsenal, though, as Bellerin's preference, should he leave north London, would reportedly be to move to City to reunite with former Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola, per Hirst.

The immediate threat of Bellerin moving to the Sky Blues is limited, as he still has plenty of time left on his contract, and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger would likely block any move for the youngster to a Premier League rival.

But should Arsenal fail to tie him down to a new deal soon, City could swoop next summer with a huge offer, as they have the money and are also lacking in top-class full-backs.