Nacho Monreal has played down speculation that one of his key teammates is on the verge of a move to Barcelona this summer.

Several Arsenal stars appear to be on the radar of other big clubs around Europe even though the Gunners have failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Hector Bellerin is indeed one of the players strongly linked with a departure as rumours continue to suggest that Barcelona are eying a £40 million deal for him.

However, the right-back’s countryman Monreal has confidently stated that Bellerin will turn down a possible move to the Camp Nou and remain in London.

“He’s an Arsenal player and almost certainly he will stay here,” Monreal was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail

“Hector is a very important player for us and the boss [Wenger] has already reiterated that he counts on him.

“Now they will have to negotiate between the clubs and we will see what happen but almost for sure he will continue with us.”

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