The centre-half who has been riddled with injuries of late is no longer wanted by Ernesto Valverde at the Camp Nou. Clement Lenglet has taken the opportunity to firmly establish himself as a starting player for the Blaugrana.
The Gunners expressed interest towards Umtiti, as soon as word got out that he is available for a sale. However, the report claims that the player himself is willing to leave the Camp Nou anytime soon.
Umtiti arrived for €25m in 2016 and was the outright starter next Gerard Pique for the past two seasons. He signed a contract extension last June and went on to win the FIFA World Cup with his country.
Ever since then, his stock has started to plummet with constant issues to his knee. Umtiti’s performances this season has been poor, whenever he has been on the pitch.
Arsenal are desperate for defensive reinforcement but even they will take caution before splashing out €40m for the 25-year-old.
“No idea,” trusted Arsenal journalist, Ornstein said. “There is a Barcelona link there with Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi, and Umtiti is seen to be surplus to requirements at Barcelona, but I don’t know.”
See Also: Top 5 Arsenal Transfer Targets Summer 2019