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Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Samuel Umtiti and Elseid Hysaj Rumours

Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti is reportedly "inching closer" to joining Barcelona ahead of the Gunners.

According to Thomas Perotto of French outlet Le Dauphine (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express), Arsenal and Chelsea "look both set to miss out on" the Lyon defender with Barca nearing a deal for him. Further, "it is thought Umtiti’s representatives were in Lyon on Friday to discuss the details of his contract."

The 22-year-old stood out in Ligue 1 last season, as WhoScored.com noted:

Samuel Umtiti: Of U23 players in Ligue 1 this term, only Sylla (147) won possession in the defensive third more times than @UmtitiSam (138)

— WhoScored.