After Arsenal apparently turned down the chance to sign the real Cesc Fabregas this summer, leaving our former captain free to join Premier League rivals Chelsea, it seems strange to hear that we are now trying to sign a young player being dubbed the new Fabregas, as reported by Metro.
But 19-year old Sergi Samper is one for the future and Arsene Wenger is ready to meet his release clause of around £10 million to sign him from Barcelona. Another report by Talksport suggests that Arsenal were trying to sign the young Spaniard this summer but the new manager of Barcelona, Luis Enrique, persuaded him to stay at the Nou Camp as he was firmly in his plans.
But with Barca not able to sign anyone for the next two years, they spent heavily this summer and Samper could well think again in January if he has not had many playing opportunities. And the way Arsenal made the player he is being compared to into a star after bringing him from La Masia academy, could just make his mind up.
At the moment, the youngster is playing as a defensive midfielder in the Barca B team, so I’m sure that Wenger will be keeping a close eye on him and whether he gets a chance in the first team.