Time to strike is now if Arsenal want Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona prepared to let him leave – TBR View

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Barcelona are willing to let Samuel Umtiti leave this summer and Arsenal have to strike now if they want to make a push at solving their defensive frailties. 

A report from Spanish publication Sport, via ESPN’s Live transfer blog, claims Barca are preparing to let Umtiti leave on a loan deal this summer as they look to free up wages and squad space.

The Frenchman has had a number of injury issues since moving to the Nou Camp. Indeed, he is currently missing from action with another knee injury.

However, at his best and when he’s fit and firing, the 26-year-old has proven to be one of the better defenders in Europe. He proved this for France in the 2018 World Cup, being a key cog as they won the tournament.

And Arsenal, who are still reeling after another defensive horror show against Spurs at the weekend, simply have to swoop while Barca are looking for suitors for their man.

Arteta is a fan already, the time to act is now

The Gunners are already said to be keen on signing Umtiti, so it’s not as if this is something that is just a completely out of the blue rumour or course of action for the club to take.

Sport claimed in April that Arsenal were put off by Umtiti’s reported £135k-a-week wages.

However, it’s become apparent in recent weeks that there is where the Gunners need to spend their money. They have attacking prowess and talent in abundance, so solving defensive problems has to be priority number one.

Umtiti can be the man to sort things out. Young and athletic enough to compete in the PL but with enough experience to quickly become a leader, he’s ideal for Mikel Arteta.

Furthermore, a season loan gives Arteta the ideal timeframe to assess if Umtiti is the long-term solution.

In a summer that is set to be a strange one given current global economics, Arsenal simply cannot afford to pass up the chance of landing the World Cup winner.