Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin insists he is ‘not a kid anymore’ after cementing his place in the Gunners first team squad.

The Spain international traded Barcelona for London at the tender age of 16 and has already amassed more than 100 appearances in Arsenal colours.

With the transfer market in full swing and Bellerin known to be on the radar of the Catalan based-outfit, reports have intensified linking the two parties, however the 22-year-old remained tight-lipped when speaking about his future.

Having graduated from the infamous La Masia academy, the versatile youngster who has been blessed with blistering pace and some nifty footwork has set new targets for the 2017-18 Premier League season.

‘It’s been two and a half years in the first team now,’ Bellerin told his club’s official website.

‘So obviously the first season was just about trying to get as many games as you can. It’s just literally been about enjoying it and showing everyone what you can do.

‘Last season was about cementing myself in the first-team squad and I’m glad that the boss gave me a chance to do that. This season is about just making sure that I can hold my spot,’ he added.

However, the first choice right back faces stern opposition in the likes of Mathieu Debucy and the returning Calum Chambers.

‘I think I’ve grown up as a person in these two and a half years. A lot of situations have happened in my life so I’ve grown up a lot and I feel more like I’m not that kid anymore and I consider myself a man and now ready to play first-team football any time of the day.

‘I feel older than 22 but I think I felt like that my whole life. I was that kind of kid. Maybe because I was just good at playing football I was always chilling with the older guys. I’ve never really got on with the people my age group in school.

‘I felt really proud when I played my 100th game for Arsenal. For me it was a massive thing and to do it at 21 or 22 is even bigger,’ Bellerin concluded.

– This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.co.za