Arsenal target £8.5m-rated FC Barcelona prodigy

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a January move for Spain youth international Sergi Samper.

The Premier League giants, who currently lie two points behind surprise leaders Leicester City heading into Christmas, have been scouting the highly-rated FC Barcelona defensive midfielder ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.

The 20-year-old, who came through the Nou Camp’s illustrious youth set-up, has played nine first-team matches for the La Liga champions since 2014, providing two assists.

However the Barca prodigy finds himself completely out-of-favour under current manager Luis Enrique and it is understood that Samper is considering his options ahead of the New Year period.

If Arsene Wenger was to want to strike a permanent deal for the Spanish starlet, it is expected to set the Gunners back around £8.5m, the value of his buy-out clause.