Arsenal Transfer News: Blaise Matuidi's Agent Teases Clubs, Sergi Samper Rumours

Arsenal have been hit back in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements after learning Blaise Matuidi has no intent to leave Paris Saint-Germain, while Manchester United are leading the race for Barcelona's Sergi Samper.

Matuidi's agent, Mino Raiola, spoke to French radio station RMC this week and confirmed there was a mountain of interest in his client this summer, but he remains loyal to his current club (via talkSPORT): "Blaise Matuidi stayed at PSG because his heart is Parisian. Europe's top 10 wanted him. Today they do still; there would be no problem in terms of selling him!"

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The Gunners are mentioned alongside Chelsea as one of the clubs linked with Matuidi, which is of little wonder given their need for a player of exactly his skill set.

Not since Patrick Vieira's reign at the club has manager Arsene Wenger had a player capable of contributing to attack and defence in such equal measure, and injuries haven't helped the north Londoners.

Jack Wilshere has been absent this season with persisting injuries, while Aaron Ramsey has also been recently sidelined and the involvement of ageing duo Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini has been minimal.

Eurosport writer Andrew Gaffney summarised the France international's error-free contribution at the Parc des Princes:

Matuidi boasts a passing accuracy of more than 92 percent in Ligue 1 this season, according to WhoScored.com, suggesting he'd be an obvious fit at the Emirates Stadium, but PSG will guard his talents fiercely.

A club veteran of four years now, the 28-year-old has been something of an underrated star for the French champions of the last three years, and the fact he doesn't want to leave doesn't bode well for his suitors.

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Barca's Samper would be considered a far more obtainable asset, but it has been reported Manchester United are in pole position to land his talents after scouting the youngster on Wednesday evening.

Samper played the entire 90 minutes of the 0-0 Copa del Rey draw against Vilanovense, where the Daily Star's Alex Harris reported scouts were present on behalf of the Red Devils. Barcelona youth account La Masia praised the anchorman for his performance in a more advanced role:

The 20-year-old has made five appearances for Barcelona's first team but is still yet to make his La Liga debut and is alleged to be growing frustrated with the lack of opportunities at the Camp Nou.

Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez cited newspaper Mundo Deportivo earlier this week, where it was reported a loan deal could be sanctioned in order to get Samper more playing time:

The aforementioned injuries at the Emirates have put pressure on Wenger to add new faces in the winter, and a loan move for up-and-comer Samper would be a cost-efficient way to boost their engine-room ranks.

Their cause is likely to be helped by the fact Barcelona's transfer ban expires on January 1, 2016, allowing them to once again register players and dip back into the market.

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That being said, Manchester United's interest is an unwelcome show of competition for the Gunners, who may not like the idea of competing against former Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal.

Harris' report mentions that Samper has an £8.5 million release clause in his contract, but the question is whether Arsenal would pay such an exorbitant fee for a player with no real senior experience.