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Arsenal should exploit spat between rivals to land world-class £26m player – TBR View

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 18 April 2020 9:45, UK

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly interested in Samuel Umtiti, and frosty relations between his parent club and one of his purported suitors could potentially allow the Gunners to swoop in.

The Barcelona centre-back has struggled for game time this season, making just 16 appearances in all competitions ().

Umtiti has suffered recurring injury problems this term, and lost his place to Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet under previous manager Ernesto Valverde.

While the 26-year-old has been given more game time by Quique Setien, he is reportedly still in line to be offloaded by the Camp Nou side.

According to French outlet , Umtiti is said to be on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar, but the relation between the two clubs isn’t warm in wake of the Neymar transfer.

, meanwhile, claims that Barca were previously asking for upwards of £35million for the Arsenal-linked defender, but have dropped their initial starting price to £26million.

Signed for a reported £21million (), the French defender was valued at around £50million last summer, while his buyout clause is £455million (FCB ).

TBR View:

Umtiti is undoubtedly a world-class player and would certainly be an asset for Arsenal, who have had their fair share of problems at the back in recent years.

Admittedly, his injury record is concerning, but if La Liga season can be fulfilled and Umtiti is able to prove his fitness – and particularly that his knee is in good shape – he will be an attractive proposition for many European clubs.

Arsenal, who have had defensive problems this season, will certainly benefit from a fully-fit Umtiti in their ranks – they should certainly take advantage of the spat between Barca and PSG to get themselves in pole position for the World Cup winner’s services.