Arsenal are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper.
Despite a growing reputation, the 20-year-old has still not made a first-team league appearance for his current club.
Samper has racked up 74 appearances for Barcelona B, however, and it is understood that he now wants to step into the first-team picture.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are prepared to offer £8.5m for the Spaniard, who has been a long-standing target for the Gunners.
Barca are expected to strongly resist the interest in their young midfielder.
