Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Stephan El Shaarawy and Sergi Samper Rumours

Arsenal have hit an obstacle in their pursuit of Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy after his former club Genoa stepped up their interest in the winger, with Barcelona's Sergi Samper also reported to be in the Gunners' sights.

El Shaarawy graduated from the Rossoblu's academy before departing for the San Siro in 2011, but Genoa president Enrico Preziosi is quoted by Joe Short of the Daily Express as saying the club are now interested in re-signing the attacker:

“I'd like to get El Shaarawy back in the team. I'll talk with (Milan's joint-CEO) Adriano Galliani today.”

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The Serie A outfit evidently hold an advantage over Arsenal in pursuit of El Shaarawy in that the Savona-born forward already holds ties in their camp and wouldn't have to make as drastic a change in scenery.

However, that conflict of interest in selling the player to a Serie A rival could lead Milan to consider Premier League suitors first, according to Italian newspapers Corriere Dello Sport and La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Football Italia):

Football Italia's report also alleges that El Shaarawy made a pact with his brother and agent, Manuel, to leave Serie A altogether, if he were to leave Milan, the club he supported as a youngster.

If true, Arsenal may feel that much more confident in luring their target to north London, along with the fact they'd be far better equipped than Genoa in attempting to meet any wage demands.

A broken metatarsal has kept El Shaarawy out of action since January, but the player still holds a high reputation in Italy's top flight as one who could go on to become devastating for the Rossoneri.

Another factor ruling in Arsenal's favour, though, is the fact El Shaarawy holds a dream of playing for the north London giants, so says David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com:

Genoa's raised interest may complicate matters, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger should by no means feel defeated in the chase for El Shaarawy, with many attributes to the deal going in his direction.

After such a long period out with injury, however, the "Little Pharaoh" faces a fight of his own to re-establish his reputation and prove that he's worthy of such a high-profile switch.

Arsenal Revive Barcelona Links in Sergi Samper Hunt

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Having pulled off something of a coup in their capture of Alexis Sanchez last summer, Arsenal will attempt to contact Barcelona once again at the end of this season, this time in pursuit of midfielder Samper.

However, the Irish Mirror (h/t Metro's Lewis Rudd) reports that Liverpool have taken an edge in the race to land Samper's signature, with the playmaker assessing his options.

The 20-year-old is regarded as one of Spain's most promising prospects, but a lack of senior opportunities under Luis Enrique may tilt the youngster's head toward a Camp Nou exit.

During the 4-0 win over Almeria in midweek, Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC hinted Enrique would have been better off handing Samper some useful La Liga minutes, but he was nowhere to be seen:

Wenger recently welcomed the returns of Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby after the trio went through varying periods on the sidelines, but central midfield may remain an area the tactician is keen to strengthen.

According to Rudd's report, Arsenal almost came close to acquiring Samper's services in the winter transfer window after it came to light they were "reportedly ready to meet his £9.6 million buyout clause."

With the price tag certainly within their range, Samper's is a deal the Gunners may look upon as a serious option this summer, with Wenger always favourable of picking up players in their developing years.

In the end, it may come down to Samper in deciding whether or not he envisions much of a future for himself in Catalonia, with Premier League giants queuing up to capitalise should he decide not.