Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wanted to strengthen his defensive options in the January transfer window and was keen on Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti. However, despite the Catalan giants being willing to sell their centre-back, the Frenchman snubbed the opportunity to join the north London club.
Arteta is dealing with an injury crisis in defence, with Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi sidelined through injury.
The Gunners have brought in Pablo Mari from Flamengo on a loan deal this month, with an option to buy, but had also enquired about Umtiti’s availability.
According to French publication, Le Parisen, Umtiti rejected the opportunity to join Arsenal, even though Barca were happy to sell the player if their valuation was met.
Umtiti was recently spotted at the Emirates watching Arsenal take on Manchester United during the La Liga winter break and his appearance at the stadium fuelled speculation he might be willing to leave the Nou Camp.
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The Frenchman also fell out with Barca chiefs over how he should treat his recurring knee issues.
The club wanted him to undergo surgery, while he wanted to try other treatments.
Umtiti struggled for minutes under former boss Ernesto Valverde but after the 55-year-old was sacked, the defender has now started the last two games under new manager Quique Setien.
And while the Gunners missed out on the chance to sign a World Cup-winning centre-back, Arteta did manage to bring in another defender on deadline day.
Arsenal signed Portuguese right-back Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old, who has six months remaining on his contract with the Saints, will be an experienced addition to Arteta’s defence.
Cedric won the Euros in 2016 with Portugal and has made 33 appearances for his country.
Arteta revealed he is pleased to have signed a defender who is already accustomed to playing in the Premier League.
“He knows the league and he doesn’t really need to adapt so I’m very pleased,” Arteta said.
“We were short at right-back, we’ve had some big issues in that position before.
“We only have two players there and Maitland-Niles isn’t really a right back and Hector [Bellerin] has had injuries so to bring in a player of that quality wasn’t easy.”