Arsenal: Arsene Wenger identifies Barcelona wunderkind Sergi Samper as replacement for Mikel Arteta

Arsene Wenger is ready to meet Barcelona starlet Sergi Samper's €12m (£8.4m, $13.1m) release clause at the Nou Camp to finally bring him to Arsenal, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The 20-year-old central midfielder has been linked with a move to North London since the summer of 2011.

Wenger tried to replicate the controversial Cesc Fabregas case by offering Samper a swap from the prolific La Masia to Arsenal's academy, but was only able to sign Samper's teammates Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin.

Last summer Mundo Deportivo reported that Wenger had made a new approach to secure the services of Samper. an approach that was rejected by the youngster.

The Catalan-based newspaper now claims that Wenger has not given up on his intentions for the Barcelona wunderkind.

Mundo Deportivo assures that, while Porto are also closely monitoring his situation, Wenger has told Samper that he sees him as Mikel Arteta's long-term replacement and is ready to meet the €12m release clause to secure his services.

Samper is considered one of the next big things to emerge from the prolific La Masia academy and has been described as the 'new Sergio Busquets'.

Having represented his country at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level, Luis Enrique handed Samper his first team debut last season and has included him in his squad for the pre-season tour of the US.

But the player is aware that with Busquets, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Roberto around, his low place in the pecking order may force a move.

Mundo Deportivo added that Samper's mind may have been made by the fact Barcelona's B-team has been relegated to Spain's third tier, a level he is not believed to be willing to play at.