Arsenal dealt major blow in pursuit of player Barcelona think can be BETTER than Sergio Busquets... after Mikel Arteta's side offered youngster a 'monster' deal

Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of a Barcelona starlet, according to reports. 

The Gunners are looking to add reinforcements to their squad this summer as Mikel Arteta's side aim to win the Premier League title after coming close to doing so last campaign.

In addition to targeting senior stars, Arsenal are also assessing players who could help them in the future.

As such, the north London outfit are said to have offered a 'monster' deal to a highly-rated Barcelona youngster, according to reports from Spanish outlet e-Noticies.

However, at this stage it appears unlikely that a move will come to fruition. 

As reported by e-Noticies, Arsenal pursued a deal for Barcelona prospect Marc Bernal.

Although Arsenal are said to have offered the 17-year-old a lucrative contract, he seems set to remain at Barcelona.

New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly sees Bernal as the club's heir to Sergio Busquets.

There is a belief within the club that Bernal could eventually be even better than Busquets, who won an array of trophies with Barcelona and made over 700 appearances for the club before joining Inter Miami last year.

Bernal, who joined Barcelona's academy in 2014, signed his first professional contract last year and has featured for Barcelona's B team. He has been capped by Spain at Under-17 level.