Arsenal reportedly open talks with World Cup winner ahead of busy summer

March 29, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: Samuel Umtiti, Arsenal, Barcelona, English Premier League

The Gunners have identified this defender as an ideal target in an attempt to bolster their back-four next summer.

Unai Emery reportedly has big plans for Arsenal this summer and has identified one key target in an attempt to bolster the back-four. Shaky defending continues to plague the north Londoners and the boss has identified Samuel Umtiti as the man to solve this issue.

And according to a few sources, the Gunners have already made contact with the Blaugrana over a transfer. While this might come as a shock to many, given that the former Lyon ace is a world-class defender, there are substantial reasons for him wanting out of Camp Nou.

Since returning from an impressive World Cup campaign that saw France lift the 2018 title in Russia, Umtiti has been struggling with injuries and has lost his starting role to Clement Lenglet.

Furthermore, the Catalan giant is leading the race for highly-rated Dutch center-back Matthijs De Ligt, which could see Samuel fall further down the pecking order. Barcelona could thus be open to cashing in on the 25-year-old should the right offer arrive in order to fund their move for the Ajax starlet.

Nicolo Schira of the Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Sanllehi, the former Barcelona and current Arsenal director of football, has begun talks with Abidal. Should this move be completed, Umtiti would be reunited with former Lyon team-mate and countryman Alexandre Lacazette. They would have to fight off interest from other clubs, though, as Man United is reportedly also keen on the defender.

#Arsenal are really interested in signing Samuel #Umtiti from #Barcellona for the next season. First contacts ongoing between #Sanllehi and Abidal. #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) March 28, 2019

David Alaba of Bayern Munich is also being linked to the Emirates Stadium ahead of what should be a busy summer for Arsenal. A recent report by the Mirror claims that as many as eight players could be offloaded to raise funds for a left back, a left winger, a center back, and a central midfielder.

Until then, Emery must rely on his current players to grab a top-four finish. The Gunners will resume their race to qualify for the Champions League this Monday as they host Newcastle on April 1.