Arsenal reportedly make move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal want to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti this summer and according to Tutto Mercato have offered €5 million to take the defender on loan.

The Italian outlet also reports that the Gunners will hope to finalise a clause in the loan deal that allows a €40 million permanent deal to be completed at the end of the temporary stint.

Umtiti has played just 10 games for Barca this season. A knee injury earlier in the campaign hampered his progress and he has failed to force his way back into contention.

A summer move seems highly likely at this stage for the player who earns £75k-a-week (Total Sportek) at the Catalan giants.

Gunners boss Unai Emery will be desperate to bolster his defensive options this summer.

At times this season, the Gunners have been guilty of conceding soft goals and the arrival of Umtiti would certainly help tighten up at the back.

TBR Verdict

It seems like this one might have a little way to go just yet but what a remarkable signing Umtiti to Arsenal would be.

For years now, the Gunners have slipped behind their rivals. Mediocre has been accepted for too long and it is time the club challenged for titles once more.

Emery would still have a few more problematic areas to solve alongside a world-class central defender but Umtiti would be a great start.

The France international would be a decent signing for any Premier League club in the top-six.

It would be the first time in many years that the Gunners signed a player that is the envy of other clubs in the division and would represent a quality addition to the club’s ranks.