Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre has fuelled suggestions that his club want to re-sign Hector Bellerin by claiming that the Arsenal right-back has "Barca DNA".

Bellerin, 21, came through the youth system at Camp Nou before leaving to join Arsenal in 2011, where he spent two years in the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2013.

The Spain international has since made 77 first-team appearances for Arsenal and has started all five of the Premier League club's competitive fixtures this season.

On Monday, it was reported that Barcelona wanted to re-sign their former defender, and Mestre has refused to play down suggestions that a Camp Nou return could be on the cards.

"We've already seen him as a Cule! He's a great player, there's no doubt about that. Arsene Wenger convinced him to move in 2011 and promised him something which we couldn't. We could not promise him that within two years he would be playing in Dani Alves's place," Mestre told Sport.

"In many cases it's good that they leave to develop as players and then return with experience. Look at the cases of Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Denis Suarez.

"It's positive that these players get minutes at other clubs. It is dynamic which has always provided good results for players that carry the Barca DNA in their blood."

Bellerin made 43 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season and was also part of the Spain squad that competed at Euro 2016.