Barcelona defender’s transfer to Arsenal collapsed due to injury – report

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal were close to completing the signing of Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti on loan in the ongoing transfer window. However, the move hit the rocks after the Frenchman picked up a serious injury.

Umtiti has been out of favour at Barça for quite a while now. And even though the club handed him a new contract on reduced terms recently, attempts were being made to get him off the books.

And, according to the report, Arsenal were interested in signing the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner on a temporary basis for the rest of the campaign. The Gunners had an agreement in place with the Blaugrana over a move, while the defender himself was ready to make the switch.

However, just when the deal was about to be finalised, Umtiti picked up an injury in training, fracturing his foot, which put an end to the transfer.

Despite the move collapsing, the report adds that Arsenal could revisit their interest in the former Olympique Lyon centre-half in the summer window. The Gunners are believed to be keen on signing the Frenchman, while Barcelona are extremely intent on moving him on.

So, there is the possibility of a transfer materialising at the end of the season, provided Umtiti has completely recovered from his injury.

While Barça and Arsenal might have been unable to finalise Umtiti’s move, the two clubs could be involved in another dealing on the deadline day. Former Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is believed to be close to signing for the Blaugrana on loan for the rest of the season.

The Gabonese international is already in Barcelona to push through a move, with all details believed to be finalised. However, the Catalan giants might have to offload Ousmane Dembele in order to register Aubameyang while complying with the Financial Fair Play rules.

As for Umtiti, he is expected to be out of action until late April. Whether Arsenal rekindle their interest in the Frenchman come summer remains to be seen.