Arsenal still exploring possibility of landing Samuel Umtiti on loan transfer from Barcelona
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ARSENAL are ready to turn their attentions to Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, according to reports.
The Gunners are in the market for a new centre-back before Thursday's transfer deadline.
Boss Unai Emery is concerned that he is short of numbers at the back following Laurent Koscielny's departure to Bordeaux.
A move for Juventus' Daniele Rugani fell through after the two clubs failed to come to an agreement over a fee.
He was also after RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano but the Bundesliga side wanted £92million for his signature.
But Umtiti remains an option although Arsenal will be restricted to just a loan deal for the Frenchman.
Injuries and a loss of form restricted him to 14 La Liga appearances this season and he has fallen down the pecking order at the Nou Camp.
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Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are preferred to the Frenchman and Barca may want to send him across Europe so he can regain his best form.
Another option remains David Luiz who sensationally missed Chelsea training to try and push through a move to Arsenal.
Reports claim there have been a series of fall-outs among the player and coaching team this week and his future at Stamford Bridge appears bleak.