Samuel Umtiti explains situation regarding Arsenal move

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has moved swiftly to reject talk of a move to Arsenal, despite the Frenchman being linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium last March. Umtiti is reportedly admired by the Gunners as their preferred long term centre-back.

Umtiti, who has two years remaining on his deal at the Nou Camp, is very highly regarded by Arsenal manager Unai Emery. However, as yet the North London club have yet to table an offer.

Speaking to Canal+, Umtiti discussed the rumour talk: “Honestly, I don’t know where this rumour with Arsenal came from. Overnight, I received messages from my friends, ‘ah, so you are joining Arsenal?’, I’m not, I’m sorry but I’m staying at Barcelona.

“Contacts with Arsenal? To be honest, I don’t know if they had conversations with my agent, I just told him that I didn’t care what was happening this summer and that it wasn’t even necessary to talk to me about it.

“It was useless, I was going to have the same answer. My dream as a child is to play for Barcelona. Last season was the most difficult of my career, especially in terms of injuries.”