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Barcelona give up on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin and they offer £27m for Benfica's Nelson Semedo

The Gunners are working on an improved off for Monaco's Thomas Lemar

Thursday 13 July 2017 19:42 BST

Bellerin will remain with the Gunners for next season (Getty)

Barcelona have given up on Hector Bellerin and are closing on Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo.

The Portuguese defender was considered by Manchester United but is now the subject of a €30m (£27m) offer from the Nou Camp club that could rise to €35m with variables.

Arsenal have been steadfast in their refusal to entertain offers for Bellerin and though Barca had been confident of a deal, the Gunners' stance was eventually respected by Barcelona.

How could Arsenal line up this season?

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1/12How could Arsenal line up this season?

How could Arsenal line up this season?

How could Arsenal line up next season?

How could Arsenal line up next season?

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

GK: Petr Cech

Cech may have been dropped for the FA Cup final, but the experienced shot-stopper is unlikely to lose his Premier League place anytime soon. The goalkeeper will turn 36 next season and yet he remains one of Arsenal’s best players.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

WB: Hector Bellerin

Struggled for form towards the end of last season but still one of the best full-backs in the country. Offers pace and power down the wing.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

The German defender enjoyed a solid debut campaign in English football, making 37 appearances in all competitions for the club. Still only 25 and will improve next season, with a year of English football already under his belt.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

CB: Laurent Koscielny

His poor discipline cost Arsenal in a couple of vital games, but he remains an important, influential player. There have been rumours Marseille have made Koscielny their top transfer target this summer, but it is highly unlikely Arsenal will sell.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

CB: Rob Holding

After impressing with his maturity and composure in a back-three last season, there's every chance Arsene Wenger could place his faith in the youngster once again for the new campaign.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

WB: Sead Kolasinac

Arsenal’s first signing of the summer. A versatile 23-year-old defender, Kolasinac plays predominantly at left-back but expect Wenger to have him push on.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

CDM: Granit Xhaka

Attracted a lot of criticism for his displays last season, but grew in confidence throughout the campaign and has the talent to become a vital player for Arsenal over the coming seasons. A superb distributor of the ball.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

CM: Santi Cazorla

One of Arsenal's most technically-gifted players and the glue that keeps the side's midfield together. Doubts over his fitness and whether he's got another season left in him, but should he be firing on all cylinders Wenger will want to make full use of him.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

LCM: Mesut Ozil

Still negotiating a contract extension with the club. His performance levels dipped alarmingly last season, but when he is in form, he remains one of the finest passers of the ball in the world.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

RCM: Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez recently announced his intentions to leave Leicester this summer and Wenger refused to rule out a move for the Premier League champion. Mahrez would bring real flair to Arsenal's side, as well as the ability to make something out of nothing.

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How could Arsenal line up this season?

CF: Alexandre Lacazette

The instinctive centre-forward that Arsenal have longed for ever since Robin van Persie's departure. Industrious and physical, he'll bring a tough edge to Arsenal's front line.

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Personal terms are not expected to be an issue and Semedo will likely take over as Barca's first-choice right-back after a year of midfielder Sergi Roberto playing out of position.

Arsenal will press ahead with their own business this week, despite being on tour in Australia. Arsene Wenger has asked the club to go back in for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, for whom they had a bid rejected last week.

Lemar’s entourage are working to convince Monaco to let their client leave the club.

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