PSG, Manchester City and Arsenal were interested in Sergi Samper

Sergi Samper is moving on loan to Granada this summer but his Barcelona departure has not been easy after many teams across Europe announced their interest in the midfielder.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Arsenal were all tracking the 20-year-old's developments but were beaten to the punch by Paco Jemez's team.

Granada's coach and his attacking style of play was vital for both Barça and Samper to agree on a one-year loan deal.

Luis Enrique spoke with Samper a few days ago to make it clear that he would keep the door open for him when he returns to the Camp Nou, but minutes would be difficult to come by given the 'overbooking' in the Blaugrana midfield currently.

The Asturian was prepared to gamble and make the move two years in duration but Samper knocked back that proposal as he believes that he should have been loaned for one season or sold in case other important offers were received.

Samper renewed his contract with Barça in July until the 2018/2019 season with an option to extend by a further year until 2020.