Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Barcelona over the possibility of signing defender Samuel Umtiti this summer.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their backline in the summer and have identified Umtiti as a potential target.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Emirates chief Raul Sanllehi has opened talks with Barca director of football Eric Abidal.
Umtiti was sidelined from September to February with a knee injury and has featured just twice in La Liga since his recovery.
The Frenchman only signed a fresh five-year deal at the Nou Camp last summer, with an astronomical release clause of €500million.
Barca are understood to be ready to trim their wage bill at the end of the season as they look to lure Matthijs de Ligt to the club from Ajax.
Umtiti, 25, has won La Liga and two Copas del Rey during his time with Barca.
He made his senior debut for France in 2016 and has since gone on to win 29 caps.
Umtiti started the World Cup final as France beat Croatia 4-2 in Moscow.
Mosanya
122
I am a Barca fan, if the rumous surrounding the sale of Samuel Umtiti is true I will sad because the he has done some thing for the club in the recent years,why so soon, Despite his recent injury that has kept him away for some time he is still young enough to be kept for a near by future. I don't want him to leave, good luck Umtiti.
Kartik-thereds
68
If i recollect it right Umtiti transfer value is 65 million and 500 million buyout clause, as usual Mr Stan Kroenke entire transfer budget for this summer ‘after sale of some players’ is 50 million! He was soo reluctant to shell out money for January transfer as well and ensure Emery has only loan transfer move to strengthened the squad! It is the masterclass of Wenger and Emery that Arsenal even with this tight budget, get the best out of the team! There is no way Kroneke will shell out soo much money for a single player!