Arsenal Transfers: 5 Centre Backs Wenger Should Sign
4. Samuel Umtiti (Olympique Lyonnais)
Samuel Umtiti is another player from Ligue 1 that Wenger will be looking at this summer, with the defender a shining light in Olympique Lyonnais young side. After a poor start to the season, Lyon lie in fifth place and are just two points off a Europa League spot. Umtiti is left footed and comfortable at left back or in the heart of the defence. His desire to get forward will remind Arsenal fans of Vermaelen during his early years at the club, which saw the Belgian weigh in with eight goals in his first season. Like NKoulou, Umtiti is a phenomenal athlete. He is strong, powerful and quick, and at just 20-years-old he has the potential to grow under the tutelage of Wenger. But dont be fooled by his age, Umtiti is ready to make his mark on Europe now. Unsurprisingly, have starred for France at youth level and now turning heads domestically, Umtiti has admirers from around Europe. With their transfer ban looming, Barcelona have expressed an interest in the youngster, while AC Milan are also targeting Umtiti as they look to rebuild following a poor season. The competition may be fierce to sign Umtiti, but he would be worth the fight.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
