Arsenal star Hector Bellerin has once again responded to links with former club Barcelona, telling Catalan media he's happy to learn that the Blaugrana still have an interest in him and refusing to rule out a return.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN FC's Samuel Marsden), he said "a lot can happen" when asked about a return before adding: "It's not something you think about when you leave, because you don't know how things will go. I was lucky enough to take a chance on Arsenal [as a 16-year-old]. Things have gone well and now hearing this type of news about Barca is something which makes me happy, but it doesn't depend on me."

Right-back has been an area of need for Barcelona since the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, and given Bellerin's past at the club, the links make a lot of sense. The Spain international has pledged his allegiance to the Gunners at every turn but has never completely closed the door on a return to Catalonia.

During an interview with Diario Sport (via Marsden), he admitted the club's failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League could alter his future: "Everyone who has played in the Champions League wants to get back to playing in it again. We all want to be at the top level. To not play in the Champions League is a disappointment, something negative. It's not ideal and it could condition [my plans] a little, yes."

Arsenal's poor performances last season could lead to a number of exits, although Bellerin is expected to stay in north London for the foreseeable future. The 22-year-old is on a long-term contract and is a pivotal member of the team, giving the Gunners plenty of leverage in negotiations and no reason to sell.