Arsenal have “refused” a player exchange offer for midfielder Matteo Guendouzi involving two Barcelona players, according to Footmercato.net.

The French website says that Barca hold a “very strong interest” in the Gunners star, with sporting director Eric Abidal having proposed to send Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic in the opposite direction.

However, Arsenal are not believed to be interested in either player, with the London club seemingly keen on selling Guendouzi for cash only.

Footmercato also claim former manager Unai Emery wants the Frenchman at his new club Villarreal, although the Spanish side are only prepared to sign the 21-year-old on loan with an option to buy next year.

Such a deal would be a non-starter with the Gunners putting Guendouzi on the market in order to raise funds for other transfers this summer.

The France Under21 international does not have a future at the Emirates, having fallen out with head coach Mikel Arteta.