Arsenal hope to sign 25y/o star to fill problem position, deal can be done at £53m

Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal are linked with Samuel Umtiti…

Arsenal have identified Samuel Umtiti as the man to solve their defensive problems with the Barcelona centre-back lined-up as a potential replacement for Laurent Koscielny, according to L’Équipe.

The Gunners have endured defensive issues for some time and Unai Emery’s arrival last summer did little to improve things as we shipped a whopping 51 goals in the Premier League this season – which was significantly more than any of the top four clubs.

Shkodran Mustafi is being linked with a move to Italy following a disappointing spell in north London and Koscielny is coming towards the end of his career with the Frenchman turning 34 in September and struggling with an on-going Achilles problem.

Koscielny has just one year remaining on his current contract and L’Equipe suggest that Arsenal are yet to open talks over an extension as we consider our options ahead of what’s going to be a crucial summer in the transfer market.

The French outlet says next week’s Europa League final could be Koscielny’s last game for Arsenal and suggest we may cash-in this summer with the likes of Bayer Leverkeusen, AC Milan, Monaco and Rennes all named as possible destinations.

Koscielny has gone public in the recent past to suggest he wants one more new challenge before the end of his career and it appears he may be open to the idea of leaving Arsenal after the final against Chelsea next Wednesday.

L’Equipe claim that Arsenal have identified Samuel Umtiti as Koscielny’s potential replacement with Barcelona ready to do business for the centre-back if an offer worth £53m [€60m] is put on the table this summer.

The 25-year-old has struggled with knee injuries since joining Barca from Lyon in 2016 and it appears the Catalans are ready to cash-in as they look to raise money to help fund their pursuit of Ajax captain Mathijs De Ligt.

If Arsenal could keep Umtiti fit he would be an excellent addition to the squad and could be the man to help tighten things up at the back but it would be a big risk to spend £53m on a player who’s struggled so badly with injuries over the past few seasons.

Arsenal desperately need to solve our defensive issues this summer if we’re to build a side capable of competing for top honours again but it remains to be seen whether Umtiti is the man for the job.

Next week’s final could be Koscielny’s last #Arsenal game, report L’Equipe. One year left on contract, he wants to play 2-3 more and no talks yet for extension. Leverkusen, Milan, Monaco, Rennes keen. Gunners want Barcelona’s Umtiti as replacement and could get him for €60m

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) May 24, 2019