Barcelona end Hector Bellerin pursuit

Spanish champions Barcelona have apparently dropped their interest in Arsenal's Hector Bellerin deeming him 'very expensive' for the summer transfer window.

Bellerin, 22, has been the first-choice right-back at Arsenal in recent seasons, and his progress was rewarded with a fresh six-year deal earlier in the campaign.

Recent speculation suggested that the Catalans could retain their pursuit of their former graduate with sporting director Robert Fernandez having watched the player in action during the Gunners' 5-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich this month.

However, talks over a potential deal appear to have diminished with The Star today reporting that the player is no longer on the La Liga club's radar.

Bellerin was initially valued in the £35m range last summer, but his latest contract has further upped his value to a region where Barcelona feel uncomfortable to spend.

Barcelona have utilized the likes of Sergi Roberto, Rafinha and the now-injured Aleix Vidal for the right-back spot, but there are still aware of the need for a specialist in the position ahead of next season.