Unai Emery’s options in the heart of the back four were further depleted after Laurent Koscielny left Arsenal for Bordeaux.
The Gunners are looking to bring in a centre-back before the transfer window shuts on 5pm and have already looked at several options.
According to The Sun, the Europa League runners-up are considering a loan move for Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti on deadline day.
The France international has a very good relationship with Emery, states Mundo Deportivo, who have picked up the claims made by The Sun.
The Catalan newspaper contacted the World Cup winner’s entourage for an update, but Umtiti’s camp refused to either confirm or deny if Arsenal are interested in the player.
Though the 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou regularly in this window, his idea is to continue with Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Mundo further explain that Barca will not allow Umtiti leave on a loan deal and will only consider sanctioning a sale for a good offer… which likely means around €50-60m.
