Barca star Samper: I refused to listen to Wenger's Arsenal offer

The youngster was approached by the Gunners over the summer but reveals why he instead opted for a loan switch to Granada

loanee Sergi Samper has revealed he gave Arsene Wenger short shrift when the Arsenal manager approached him for a transfer last year.

The midfielder, 21, is currently playing at Granada after Luis Enrique decided to send the Barca starlet out on loan for the 2016-17 campaign.

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But while his potential had previously caught the eye of Wenger, Samper insists that he is only interested in eventually succeeding at Camp Nou.

"I did not want to even listen to Wenger," he told Sport.

"I made it clear to him that I wanted to stay, that I wanted to triumph at Barca, that I was a Cule fanatic and that making it at Barca in the future would make me the happiest."

With the likes of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez all options for Barca in the middle of the pitch, Samper may have to wait for his opportunity.

And while he bides his time in the hope of breaking through at his boyhood idols, the youngster is currently focused on shining in his temporary home.

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"I feel an important part of the team. I am happy where I am and I hope we can turn things round," he signalled.

Granada currently lie second from bottom in the Liga standings, having picked up just 10 points from their opening 18 fixtures.