Arsenal ‘cannot afford’ deal for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti

Arsenal do not have the finances to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti this summer as they only have an €80m budget, say reports.

Goal.com outline how the Gunners once again will be limited financially this year which would price them out of a deal for the Cameroon-born defender, whose estimated value stands at €70m.

The France international has missed five months of this season with a knee injury but is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in world football.

Umtiti, who joined from Lyon in 2016, has formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Gerard Pique at the Camp Nou.

However, the Blaugrana are keen on a deal for Ajax captain and central defender de Ligt and reportedly need to raise funds in order to further first-team reinvestment.

The emergence of Clement Lenglet and the pursuit of de Ligt has clouded his future at Barca, who reportedly need to raise funds from first-team squad sales in order to add new signings.

Juventus and Manchester United have been strongly linked to a move for Umtiti.

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