Arsenal transfer news: Samuel Umtiti stance explained as Barcelona prepare to sell

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Barcelona powerhouse Umtiti in recent times amid claims that he may be sold.

The World Cup winner has endured a frustrating campaign with injuries and inconsistency seeing him fall behind Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet in the pecking order.

As a result, Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United have both been backed to lure the defender away from Catalonia.

And Football London say the Gunners would try and investigate a way to land the centre-back.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is keen to sign a new centre-back when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

And Umtiti, who has impressed during his time at Barcelona, appears to be on his radar.

Football London claim, though, that Arsenal could find their bid to sign Umtiti thwarted by a lack of funds.

Barcelona are keen to start a bidding war for the 25-year-old and, with United interested, could demand as much as £60million to let him go.

Arsenal are operating on a tighter budget compared to their rivals.

If they fail to qualify for the Champions League, they could have as little as £40m to spend on reinforcements.

And that may stop them from landing Umtiti – but they would still consider it nonetheless.

Barcelona could also weaken the player’s position at the club by landing Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax.

But Jesper Olsen thinks the Holland international would be an ideal signing for United, who have also been linked.

“No doubt about it [he could play for United],” Olsen told Omnisport.

“Playing at Ajax, you have to be a quality player.

“So, of course he could [play for United], no doubt about it.

“He could fit into any top team at the moment.”

source: express.co.uk