It seems that Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper is being touted to Arsenal once again.

Someone, somewhere, wants this deal to happen. There were rumours in the summer but it seemed to materialise that Arsenal weren’t interested in a deal for the 20-year-old.

Now, Fichajes are once again running a story saying a move could happen in January. The midfielder’s current contract has a release clause of just £8.5m, so he would certainly be affordable.

Samper played with Héctor Bellerín and Jon Toral when they were at Barcelona but, unlike his former team-mates, rejected a move when Arsenal came knocking. Now, four years on, Bellerín is playing every week in London while Samper is yet to be given his shot with last season’s Champions League winners.

He may well be regretting his decision now, but that probably isn’t enough to tempt the Gunners into a deal. Samper has been playing for Barcelona B, which was fine until this season as they were playing in Spain’s second division.

However, they were relegated last season and playing in the Spanish third tier is of no use to a 20-year-old talent trying to develop to step up to the very highest level. Samper is probably afraid that his career is stagnating, and he should be.

Arsenal have Francis Coquelin but it is doubtful that either Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini will make it through to next season. I don’t expect us to sign Samper but, if we’re looking at the big picture, you do have to wonder: why not?