With the 2017-18 English Premier League fixtures being announced, ESPN previews the opening fixtures and key dates of the North London, Manchester and Merseyside derbies. (0:45)

Hector Bellerin is torn between his loyalty to Arsenal and the chance to return to Barcelona, his Spain under-21 teammate Denis Suarez has told Catalunya Radio.

Barcelona are keen to sign a right-back in the summer and former academy graduate Bellerin, 22, is reported to be their top target.

However, Arsenal hope to ward off any interest in Bellerin, who signed a new six-year deal in November.

"I have spoken with him, and on the one hand he's keen to come and on the other he feels tied to Arsenal -- I hope he can come," midfielder Suarez said.

Bellerin recently told Mundo Deportivo he was "happy" about Barcelona's interest but later tweeted: "Don't believe everything you read..." in a message suggesting reports of an imminent move were wide of the mark.

Hector Bellerin signed a six-year deal with Arsenal in November. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday that Bellerin and his representatives hope Barca will present a formal offer to Arsenal while the player is representing Spain at the European Under-21 Championship in Poland this month.

Gerard Deulofeu is another member of the Spain squad who has been the subject of interest from Barcelona.

Sporting director Robert Fernandez said in April that the club were looking at paying the €12 million clause that would allow them to re-sign the winger from Everton.

However, Deulofeu is reported to be unsure about returning as he wants to play regular first-team football. "He himself is not even clear what will happen this summer," Suarez said.