Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Need to Move on from Sergi Samper Pursuit

Arsenal are reportedly once again trying to land promising Spanish youngster Sergi Samper, but following his latest refusal to leave Barcelona, Arsene Wenger should take the hint and focus his attention elsewhere.

According to a report from Inside Spanish Football's Jamie Kemp, the Gunners have been attempting to poach the holding midfielder from Barcelona's youth setup since 2011, and a latest approach during this summer was turned down by the player himself.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to meet Samper's €12 million euro release clause and could offer the player regular playing time on the highest level. The 19-year-old is still a member of Barcelona B, despite impressing during the Catalans' pre-season tour.

Samper appears ready for a feature role at a major club, something Zaragoza manager Victor Munoz underlined after watching him tear his midfield unit to pieces. Via Kemp, he said: "Not only is he ready to play in the Primera Liga, he is ready to play for Barcelona.”

As shared by Barcastuff, Luis Enrique has told both Samper and Adama Traore they will be part of the Blaugrana senior squad next season, per Sport:

"

Barcelona B midfielder Sergi Samper (19) and winger Adama Traore (18) will be promoted to the first team next summer. [sport]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) September 9, 2014"

For Samper, this would be a lifelong dream come true. Born in Barcelona, the youngster has been a part of the Catalans' famed youth setup since the age of six. He has steadily risen through the ranks, with his immense talent always plain to see.

As one would expect from a graduate of La Masia, he's a gifted distributor with plenty of technical baggage. He shows an incredible maturity and composure on the ball, and he has the vision to find the passing lanes at all times.

He also has the size to hold his own in the physical battles that take place in the centre of the pitch, although he prefers to attack the ball and the passing lanes over employing a blunt approach, much like current Barcelona great Sergio Busquets.

Indeed, Busquets might be the most apt comparison for Samper's style of play. That is high praise, but given Wenger's long-standing interest in his services, via Rafael Hernandez, fans shouldn't be surprised:

Arsenal were right to chase Samper, but after seeing multiple offers get rejected, it's time to face the facts. The youngster has his eyes set on Barcelona, the club of his heart. Until Enrique gives him any clear indication he'll never get to shine for the Blaugrana, he simply won't leave.

The concept of one-club men is a rarity in 2014, but it still exists. It'll take a substantial offer to poach the likes of Francesco Totti or Bastian Schweinsteiger, to name but two.

Top clubs aren't used to dealing with players who love their current clubs this much anymore—that means that, sometimes, money simply can't buy allegiance. Samper is Catalan. His heart belongs to Barcelona, and after years of dreaming to play for the senior side, he won't toss those hopes to the side now.

Wenger did his due diligence. He tried to deal (multiple times, apparently), and it failed. At some point you need to listen to what Samper is saying and walk away. And that time is now.

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