Barcelona Willing To Agree On Loan Deal With Arsenal Involving Injured Defender

Barcelona seems really eager to get rid of Samuel Umtiti. As Arsenal expressed its interest to acquire the 26-year-old center-back, reports now say Barca is willing to amend any agreement with the English club to come up with the release of the defender from Camp Nou.

Based on the latest accounts, the Blaugrana is open to accept a loan deal with hopes of having a permanent deal in 2021 as there are said to be no clear transfer offers, for now, for the French footballer.

The Gunners are “long-term admirers” of Umtiti, and the Catalans could pounce on the interest by engaging them into close negotiations.

Barcelona is determined to sign a new center-back this summer with signs being clear that Umtiti is not part of the club’s future plans anymore, no thanks to the series of injuries that did nothing but hamper his progress in Catalonia.

“Umtiti has been plagued by injuries during his time at the Nou Camp and has only made 77 La Liga appearances. By comparison, Gerard Pique has made 124 league appearances in that same time,” Anthony Chapman of the Sun wrote.

“And Umtiti has now found himself playing second fiddle to compatriot Clement Lenglet. But Barca wants to sign a brand-new center-back this summer as they look set to lose their title to rivals Real Madrid.

“Lenglet or Pique would drop down to the bench, which means there is no future for Umtiti in Catalonia. Arsenal is long-term admirers of the left-footer and would surely jump at the chance to land him on loan.”

As the speculation draws more attention from London, fans of the Gunners, however, do not appear thrilled. According to Lee Clarke of The Boot Room, Arsenal supporters are putting the pressure on Mikel Arteta, urging the manager to not pull the trigger on the Umtiti signing.

“It would seem Arsenal supporters are undecided over Umtiti. Whilst very few hold doubts over his ability, the concern comes over his fitness, with the Frenchman prone to the odd fitness problem,” Clarke wrote.

“Umtiti would comfortably be an upgrade on Arteta’s current crop of defenders, however, and it remains to be seen if they’ll pounce.”

Barca is expected to be active on the summer transfer window as Umtiti is said to be just one of nine players at Camp Nou who are available for release. With the Spanish club in dire need of funds as it was massively hit financially by the pandemic, dealing the World Cup winner even via a loan is projected to be one of the top priorities to pursue.