Arsenal are facing a crossroads entering the upcoming transfer window. Despite the fact they can either qualify to, or miss on, the UEFA Champions League next season, The Gunners know they must strengthen some positions going forward. And their biggest priority should be to bolster their defensive depth.
And according to a report from The Sun, The Gunners are quite interested in making a move for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti. Even though the France international has been a key part of Barca over the past few seasons, the former Lyon star could be on his way out of Camp Nou.
Between injuries and the good performances from Clement Lenglet, Umtiti has fallen out of favour with Ernesto Valverde and he’s now Barca’s third alternative at centre-back. Considering the team’s depth at centre-back and Umtiti’s value on the market, Barcelona could very well capitalise on that scenario and sell him just to gain fresh funds to fill other needs.
Plus, Barca are keen to make a move for Dutch star Matthijs De Ligt this summer, making Umtiti even more expendable. Unai Emery wants to sign Umtiti in order to fill the void that could be left by Shkodran Mustafi, who’s reportedly headlining the team’s list of players to leave the club this next summer.
Another alternative could be Michael Keane. However, Umtiti seems to be Arsenal’s top priority. Can they acquire him over the upcoming months, or will they have to settle for an alternative as it has been the case in past years?
