We’ve been here before, but there are yet more reports linking Arsenal with a move for Barcelona’s Sergi Samper.

The talented 20-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer but remained with Barça, who will face the Gunners in the Champions League round of 16 in February and March.

Samper is yet to feature in La Liga this season and has been afforded just 134 minutes of Champions League action, with Sergi Roberto often preferred when a midfielder is missing. Turning 21 in January, it’s no surprise if Samper is tired of languishing in the third division and wishes to move his career on quicker.

Last week it was Mundo Deportivo, now it’s Sport linking Arsenal with the midfielder. With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini set to leave in the summer, the midfield will need reinforcements and a talent like Samper would surely to be considered at the bargain price of under £9m. Tomas Rosicky is also unlikely to be offered a new contract, while Santi Cazorla has suffered a serious injury and is in his 30s.

Jack Wilshere is yet to play this season and his fitness can’t be trusted.

No matter what, Arsenal will need to strengthen the midfield over the next two transfer windows. It already looks like a deal for Mohamed Elneny is all but complete, but why not add Samper too? There was nothing in the rumours circulated in the summer, why not now?

With his contract up in 18 months Barcelona will have to make a decision soon: sell or extend?