Barcelona believe it is 'ideal time' to sign Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin

Barcelona will rekindle their interest in signing Arsenal star Hector Bellerin in the summer transfer window.

According to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club believes it is the "ideal time" in bringing the right-back to Camp Nou due to the Gunners' struggle. Arsene Wenger has seen his side sit sixth in the league table with 60 points from 33 games.

The north London side are six points behind fourth place Manchester City with a game in hand. A failure to finish in top four will see them play in the Europa League next season. Arsenal manager's contract runs down at the end of the season and there is uncertainty around Wenger's future at the club.

Barcelona have long been interested in signing Bellerin. However, no deal took shape as he continued with the Gunners. The La Liga giants believe Arsenal would be more open to negotiate a deal in the summer than in the previous seasons.

Bellerin signed a contract extension earlier in the season and his current deal will keep him at the Emirates until 2022. The defender told IBTimes UK that he remains committed to Arsenal, despite reports linking with a move to Barcelona.

Barcelona held conversation over the phone with the Spain international to find out if he is open to the idea of joining them. The report claims the 22-year-old and his camp want the Camp Nou outfit to make a concrete offer for his services.

The Spanish club's technical secretary Robert Fernandez publicly revealed his side have been watching Bellerin on several occasions this season. He said, "We have watched many players. Fortunately I have the opportunity to watch many players live and on television. But, yes, I have watched Bellerin."

"Hector is a good player, of course. He is well known. He is playing at a great level but there are also other players that have good characteristics."

Barcelona are not the only club interested in signing Arsenal full-back. The Gunners' league rivals Manchester City are also in the race in landing Bellerin. Pep Guardiola will be hoping he can beat his former club in securing the defender's signature in the summer.