Arsenal news: Hector Bellerin offered new contract to warn off Barcelona and Manchester City interest

Bellerin has been an ever-present this season

Bellerin joined Arsenal after spending two years in Barcelona's academy (Getty Images)

Arsenal are set to hand Hector Bellerin an improved five-year contract in an attempt to keep him out of the clutches of potential suitors Barcelona and Manchester City.

The Spaniard has three years left on his current deal having joined the Gunners from Barcelona as a 16-year-old in 2011.

However, his former club are keen to see him return to the Nou Camp while Pep Guardiola, who was in charge of the Spanish champions when Bellerin joined, is considering an attempt to make him the latest player to switch the Emirates for the Etihad.

City reportedly made a move for the 21-year-old over the summer with Guardiola uncertain over Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna, only to be told he was not for sale.

Arsenal officials have already alerted Bellerin’s representatives to negotiations and are expected to open talks after the current international break.

The Gunners hinted at a new deal after his inclusion in Spain’s Euro 2016 squad at the end of last season but no discussions have taken place until now.

Bellerin will be given a significant pay increase and given reassurances about squad investment as they are aware of his ambition to win trophies.

The news comes as Arsenal look to tie all their big stars down to new contracts with talks also set to take place with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, whose deals both expire in 2018.