Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona 'switch focus to Valencia defender Joao Cancelo' after failing with Hector Bellerin move

Barca's summer plans were accelerated after learning of Dani Alves’s desire to join Juventus

Barcelona have reportedly turned their attention elsewhere, to Valencia defender João Cancelo, after growing frustrated with their pursuit of Arsenal full-back Héctor Bellerín.

The La Liga champions have long-term aspirations to lure the 21-year-old back to the Camp Nou but their plans were accelerated after learning of Dani Alves’s desire to join Juventus as he insisted upon a get-out clause in his contract last summer.

Bellerín is a graduate of the La Masia academy but, according to a report by the Daily Mirror, will not be re-joining his former employers after Arsenal made it clear he would not be sold.

Speaking last week, the full-back admitted he was flattered by Barça’s interest. “I don't really get informed about offers,” he said. “My agent is the one that works on these sort of things, but I'm happy to receive interest from such great clubs. As a player it's really nice.”

Barcelona-based SPORT, meanwhile, report this morning that Luis Enrique, the Barcelona head coach, has now switched his focus to luring Valencia full-back Cancelo to Catalonia instead.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund have dismissed reports that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is destined to leave the Westfalenstadion this summer, labelling the speculation as “nonsense”.

The Gabonese international attracted interest from across European football last season, including from Arsenal and Manchester United, after scoring 39 goals in 46 appearances to help restore Dortmund’s place in the Champions League.

Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has moved to dispel the rumours. Quizzed on the subject by German sport daily, Bild, Watzke said: “That’s all nonsense.”