Barcelona Transfer News: Samuel Umtiti makes huge claim about his future amidst Arsenal interest

Samuel Umtiti has claimed that he would stay at Barcelona amidst interest from Arsenal.

Samuel Umtiti has iterated that he would like to stay at Barcelona and continue his ‘dream’. Arsenal were running for the defender, although the former Lyon graduate has played down those links by stating his intent to stay at Nou Camp next season.

The 25-year-old endured an injury-plagued season and made just 14 appearances in all competitions. He injured his knee after the World Cup which has forced Clement Lenglet to break into Ernesto Valverde’s plans. Umtiti was fit during the conclusion of the season, but Valverde was not prepared to take any risks.

He was part of France squad which tasted 2-0 defeat to Turkey. In the mixed zone, Umtiti was asked about his future.

He said: “I have a contract and I am happy at Barcelona,” he said. “It’s true that it has been a complicated season for me but I’m not going to throw in the towel now and I won’t give up on my dreams to keep playing for Barcelona.”

Although Umtiti has four years left in his contract, Barcelona are prepared to listen to offers around 70 million. This is mainly down to the knee injury, which has not ameliorated since last year.

On the other hand, Arsenal lost their Champions League qualification because of the inadequate backline. Their defence has shipped 51 goals in the Premier League alone – a second worst defensive record in the top six.

Unai Emery has seen his budget fall down drastically following the failure to qualify for the Champions League. It is highly unlikely to witness the Gunners spend highly in the summer transfer window.

However, with the likes of error-prone Mustafi, ageing Koscielny, and inconsistent Sokratis, Unai Emery requires a top defender to balance the defence.

Here’s how Twitter has reacted..

What’s next?

Arsenal do not have a high budget and a move for Samuel Umtiti looks unlikely at this point of time – especially after missing out on the UCL spot.