Arsenal 'to bid for Barcelona youngster'

Arsenal are reportedly considering a January move for young Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper.

The Gunners are expected to complete a £7.4m deal for Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny when the window opens on Saturday, but manager Arsene Wenger is planning to make multiple signings in the middle of the field as he seeks cover for the injured Mikel Arteta, Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere.

Defensive midfielder Samper, 20, would be available for a fee of £4.4m, according to Mundo Deportivo, and is said to be a close friend of Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, who moved to London from the Spanish champions as a 16-year-old.

Samper joined the Barca youth setup when he was six years old, making his debut for the first team in a Champions League game in September 2014.