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Arsenal suffer major setback in pursuit of Barcelona midfield ace
ARSENAL have suffered a setback in the signing of Barcelona youngster Sergi Samper.
Barcelona are desperate to keep hold of Sergi Samper
The defensive midfielder is understood to be a transfer target for Arsene Wenger, who sees the 20-year-old as a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo has reported that Arsenal have approached the youngster and are willing to meet his £8.4million release clause.
At first, he will be in the B team, with the option, of course, of being involved with the first team
However, publication Sport suggests Barca are keen to hold onto the defensive midfielder and will offer him first-team incentives to stay.
Barcelona's technical secretary Robert Fernandez said: "At first, he will be in the B team, with the option, of course, of being involved with the first team."
The Gunners are expected to monitor Samper's progress this season, similarly to how they watched Hector Bellerin before snapping him up in 2011 from Barca.