Arsenal target Sergi Samper is set to hold talks with Barcelona after having his head turned by interest from the Gunners, reports the Daily Express.
The player’s agent Pere Guardiola, brother of Bayern Munich boss Pep, is going to meet Blaugranas’ new sporting director Robert Fernandez in the next few days about his client’s future. During the meeting the 20-year-old’s representative will put forward his demands, and the two sides will go from there.
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The youngster is keen to stay at the Nou Camp, but doesn’t want to be stuck playing in their ‘B’ team for another season. The reserve side was relegated to the third tier in the last campaign, and Samper would like to be loaned out to gain further experience.
Last time round the player made 34 appearances for the B side and only two for the first team, perhaps causing this desire for more senior football.
However, were the midfielder to not get what he wants, he would be happy to push for a move to the Emirates. Samper is apparently seen as a potential successor to Mikel Arteta by Arsene Wenger, and could partner Francis Coquelin in the middle of the park for the North Londoners. They would have to meet his £8.4 million release clause to sign the player.