Arsenal BOOST! Barcelona drop interest in defender Hector Bellerin over £45m asking price

Barcelona have dropped their interest in Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, who is now set to remain at the Emirates Stadium this summer, according to reports in Spain.

The 22-year-old Barca academy graduate was tipped for a return to the Nou Camp in the upcoming transfer window.

Despite recently signing a new six-year deal with the Gunners, Bellerin had emerged as the Spanish giants' number transfer target, as they weighed up the possibility of recruiting a new right-back.

But their pursuit has now ended with the Catalans baulking at Arsenal’s £45million asking price.

The Gunners immediately slapped the big price tag on their star full-back’s head to ward off any interest, with Barca recently stating they would need to sell in order to fund the transfer.

Bellerin has become Arsenal’s first-choice right-back after consistently racking up impressive performances over the past few seasons.

He has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season and has been a shining light in what has otherwise been a difficult campaign for the north Londoners.