According to reports emerging from Spain, Barcelona have turned their attention to Arsenal in the hunt for a replacement for Dani Alves and their sights have been firmly set on Hector Bellerin.

The 21-year-old left the Catalan club in 2011 to join our youth squad and has since, after going out on loan at Watford, worked his way up to our first team. The Spaniard is now one of our starting XI, having pushed Mathieu Debuchy out of the team, and it’s difficult to see this changing, not least because Debuchy has gone to Bordeaux on loan.

522946558 hector bellerin of arsenal evades james gettyimages
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal evades James McClean of West Bromwich Albion during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

It is likely that Barcelona will come a-knocking for Bellerin, especially if he continues to progress. They know he has an emotional connection to the club, having spent 2003-2011 there, and this could give them leverage. For him to be scouted as Dani Alves’ replacement is a huge compliment, if true.

Whether the La Liga giants are looking to bring Bellerin back right this moment is another story.