Arsenal: 3 Barcelona loan players Gunners should consider

2. Samuel Umtiti

William Saliba will arrive at Arsenal as a starting centre-back next season. Despite only being 19 years of age, after a year-long loan at Saint-Etienne to gain more regular playing time, the Frenchman will most likely be ushered into starting XI from the off, such is the Gunners’ need at the position.

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But they do need a partner for him. There have been plenty of names bandied around. Dayot Upamecano. Evan Ndicka. Even a permanent move for current loanee Pablo Mari, despite the Spaniard having only played two matches before the current postponement. But in Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona offer an intriguing option that the Gunners could explore.

Also French, Umtiti, like Saliba, is an extremely athletic and quick centre-half. He is comfortable in a high line, is used to playing in a possession-based system, and is left-footed, which Arteta reportedly is keen to have alongside Saliba as it offers balance to the team.

At 26 years of age, Umtiti is right in his prime and offers that nice blend of experience to lead a teenager forward and youthfulness to not only be a short-term option. He is a little error-prone and has a propensity to make mistakes. There is a ceiling. But as a temporary loan with an option to buy should he impress, Arsenal could do a lot worse.