As reported by Express, Samuel Umtiti has laughed off rumours that linked him to a summer move to Arsenal. The Gunners had targeted FC Barcelona as the answer to their defensive problems. But, Umtiti has denied those rumours stating, “honestly, I don’t know where this rumour with Arsenal came from.”
Umtiti told Canal+, “Overnight, I received messages from my friends ‘ah, so you are joining Arsenal?’ I’m not, I’m sorry, but I’m staying at Barcelona. Contacts with Arsenal? To be honest, I don’t know if they had conversations with my agent, I just told him that I didn’t care what was happening this summer and that it wasn’t even necessary to talk to me about it.”
Umtiti could solve Arsenal’s defensive problems
Arsenal have one of the most exciting squads in the Premier League this term, having signed Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos among many others. However, defence remains a weakness, especially following the departure of the experienced duo of Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny.
New signing David Luiz has failed to provide any solidity while Sokratis has looked complacent as ever. Umtiti, in that regard, could have been an excellent addition to Arsenal this summer.
He is primarily a no-nonsense defender, who is known for his imposing physique. The Frenchman can make strong tackles and disrupt the flow of the opposition. He is also a threat from set-pieces, despite being relatively shorter than most other defenders.
But most importantly, Umtiti is an excellent ball-playing defender as well. He can pass in between the lines, which makes him an upgrade over Sokratis. Besides, he has a lot of experience at the highest level of football, notably playing a pivotal role in France’s World Cup-winning campaign last summer.
Should Arsenal persist with their interest in Umtiti?
Umtiti has had a difficult time at Barcelona following the arrival of Clement Lenglet. The former Sevilla star has quickly risen to prominence, now becoming the club’s first-choice centre-back. Umtiti is unfortunately not even the first-choice centre for France anymore.
Therefore, the Gunners should monitor the defender’s situation at Barcelona this season. If his lack of game-time at Catalonia continues, it won’t be surprising to see him leaving the club next summer. And that’s where Arsenal could pounce.
The central defensive partnership between Umtiti and William Saliba could provide a new dimension to the Arsenal backline as well as giving it a fresh start. And at the age of 25, the Frenchman could be an excellent long-term investment for the north London giants.
