Over the last couple of days, fairly spurious claims have emerged from the Spanish media about Hector Bellerin and Man City.

El Mundo Deportivo suggested that the presence of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium was an attraction for the Gunners full-back, due to their shared Barcelona connection.

They played that old reliable card in which someone close to the player is quoted as saying they’re ‘pleased’ or flattered by potential interest.

However, the usually well placed Manchester Evening News report today that City have ended their interest after being told in no uncertain terms that he is not for sale (and we’ve been told Arsenal’s response was ‘industrial’, to say the least).

Indeed, the idea that Arsenal would let the exciting young Spaniard go was always fanciful. Having made his breakthrough in the 2014-15 season, Bellerin has established himself as first choice at the club, and become a full Spanish international in the process – even making the European Championships squad.

On top of that, he signed a new deal just a year ago, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club had new terms on offer to recognise his growing stature.

As well as that, Bellerin has been effusive about how much he loves life at Arsenal, saying, “I feel like this is my home. I see it as very difficult to leave.

“I came to Arsenal to stay here. I’m happy and I’m playing.”

So, that should put an end to that. It’s always one of the things you have to deal with when you have good players, other clubs want them.

City, however, will have to look elsewhere if they want a right back. We have a French guy they might like …