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Arsenal will have to pay £35 million to obtain the services of Barcelona central defender Samuel Umtiti,
Boss Unai Emery is desperate to bolster his defensive ranks this summer and the French defender has been linked to the Emirates Stadium previously.
The 25-year-old has been a peripheral figure at the Nou Camp this season, featuring in just 15 games for the Catalan giants.
When Umtiti signed for Barcelona from Lyon it was anticipated that he would become one of world football’s best defenders. He cost £24.6 million and earns £75k-a-week,
The £35 million that Barcelona are requesting would decimate Arsenal’s budget. If the Gunners win the Europa League, however, he would bolster their squad no end ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.
TBR Verdict
Umtiti would represent a real coup if he ends up at the Emirates Stadium next season.
His presence at the heart of the Arsenal back four would undoubtedly improve their chances of a top-four finish next season.
The finances don’t seem bad for such a good player and as a result, the Gunners should pounce. Umtiti has won countless silverware and was part of France’s squad that won the World Cup last summer.
Arsenal must act fast though. A player of his quality will probably be snapped up pretty quickly. Emery should chance his arm and secure a stellar player to solve his defensive conundrum.