According to reports, Premier League giants Arsenal are now prepared to pay out the release clause of Barcelona superstar Sergi Samper this summer. The Mundo Deportivo further added that the Gunners are preparing to meet the £8.4m release clause for the defensive midfielder’s services, as manager Arsene Wenger looks to add more quality players to his already formidable squad.

The French manager considers Samper as the long-term replacement of his 33 year old skipper Mikel Arteta and is quite keen on signing the youngster.

The Arsenal boss has been monitoring the Spanish Under-21 international’s growth since 2011 and and had also tried to bring him to the Emirates last summer.

The 20-year-old La Masia youngster could now be open to a move away from the Nou Camp, after an impressive 74 performances for the Barca B side, yet not being called upon for the main team.

The European champions have stars like Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano and Sergi Roberto, who are favoured ahead of him in the senior side and a move away seems the only option available if he intends to play regular first-team football.