Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is apparently in a hot pursuit of Barcelona’s talented young midfielder Sergio Busquets.

The 20-year-old is also reported to be a target for Serie A giants Juventus, but given the success of youngsters at the Premiership powerhouse with the example of Cesc Fabregas shining brightly, the North London club appear to be the favoured destination for youngsters in recent times. Fran Merida arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Barcelona in 2006.

Busquets has been given a chance in the Barca first-team by new coach Pep Guardiola this campaign, who the young midfielder played under last season for the Barcelona B side. His performances in La Liga this season have earned the Spaniard his first Under-21 cap last month, with Busquet also scoring his first European goal in the 5-0 rout 0f FC Basel in the Champions League recently.

Busquets’ current deal at the La Liga giants runs out in the summer, with it understood that the midfielder is stalling on putting pen to paper on a new contract at the Nou Camp.

As such, Barcelona may be forced to cash in on the player by selling him in the January transfer window to the highest bidder and Arsenal are said to be very much interested in making a move.