Arsenal make transfer decision on Samuel Umtiti

Arsenal have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Samuel Umtiti from Barcelona after learning of the defender's salary demands.

The Gunners have been keenly following the proceedings of the French defender, who has struggled for playing time at the Camp Nou following an early season injury.

Still, it appears that they are unlikely to make a formal approach for the former Lyon man, given they have been put off by his £7m-a-year wages on top of the £43.5m asking price set by the Blaugrana, Sport claims.

Umtiti has often featured on the bench for the Spanish champions this term with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet being the preferred combination at the heart of the defence.

The Blaugrana are yet to receive any concrete interest in the Frenchman and reports indicate that the club may consider his temporary departure, in case the situation remains the same in the coming months.

Umtiti has made nearly 125 appearances for the Blaugrana in all competitions.