Arsenal reportedly had agreed a deal with FC Barcelona to sign defender Samuel Umtiti. However, an injury to the centre-back curtailed any move for the French international.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners had ‘practically completed’ an agreement to take Umtiti off Barcelona’s hands, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang potentially heading the other way. However, the defender was injured, ruling out any move to north London.
As per Transfermarkt, the centre-back is currently out until April with a fractured toe as Umtiti continues to have a nightmare time at Barcelona, with the La Liga giants eager to offload the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Umtiti has been linked with Arsenal over the years. With the Gunners having just three centre-backs on their books with Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari leaving this January, the French defender could have been an ideal short-term signing for the north London side.
However, with the former Olympique Lyonnais star out until April, it makes sense why Arsenal pulled out of a deal for Umtiti, with his three-month injury changing everything about the transfer.
Indeed, not all is lost, though. As mentioned, Aubameyang was set to head the other way to Barcelona, and the striker has in recent hours landed in the Catalonian city to complete a move to the La Liga giants.
Umtiti could be a wildcard summer signing for Arsenal
Centre-back depth is low at Arsenal, and with the future of William Saliba up in the air and Rob Holding often linked with a move away from the Gunners, a defender should be a priority for the north London side in the summer, and Umtiti could be an answer.
Barcelona are desperate to sell the 28-year-old defender. And whilst Umtiti’s wages would be high, there’s a strong chance the centre-back could take a pay cut to move to a club where he can get his career back on track.
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